This project explores the evolving landscape of policy narratives in modern Australian governance, examining how evidence transforms into actionable policy within complex institutional environments. It introduces a comprehensive "What-Why-How-Who-When" framework for crafting policy narratives, addressing the intricate relationship between technical knowledge and practical implementation.

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The project critically examines the rise of what it terms the "consulting state," where government departments increasingly rely on external expertise at the expense of internal capabilities. This phenomenon has created patterns of "institutionally learned helplessness," where standardised consulting solutions often overshadow deeper policy understanding. The work particularly focuses on science, research, and innovation policy domains, where technical complexity intersects with implementation challenges.

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A central theme emerging in the research is the tension between political pressure for quick fixes and the need for systemic, incremental change. Also present is a critique of the "policy by announcement" trend, where governments prioritise high-profile declarations over actionable implementation plans. Instead, the research focuses on an argument for "strategic patience" in policy development, emphasising how sustainable governance requires careful orchestration of immediate improvements and longer-term transformation.

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The research suggests new approaches to building institutional wisdom that can effectively navigate modern policy complexities. It examines how digital transformation creates both opportunities and challenges for policy narratives, requiring sophisticated frameworks that can maintain coherence while engaging with diverse stakeholders. The project ultimately aims to provide practical guidance for policy practitioners while contributing to a broader theoretical understanding of how institutions can drive meaningful change in contemporary governance settings.