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The Australian National University Tech Policy Design Centre has developed 8 foundational principles for the design and implementation of strong tech policy. These principles align with the toolkit and are key to delivering good solutions.
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The 8 foundational principles
- Designing tech policy is a journey, not a destination: just like technology, good tech policy is agile and constantly evolving.
- An outcome well defined is a problem half-solved: a clear articulation of the desired policy outcome is at the heart of all good tech policy design.
- Good tech policy is responsive and timely, it creates clarity and certainty: effective communication is critical.
- Consultation is a theme, not a step: when designing tech policy, consult often, transparently, and widely.
- Be responsive, foster feedback loops: tech policy can be contentious and consensus is not always possible, but it is important to demonstrate all voices have been heard and considered.
- Regulation should not be the default, consider all available options: choose the most proportionate and fit-for-purpose solution (remember: bad ideas do exist).
- Context matters, good tech policy is not designed in isolation: consider how proposed solutions will impact and interact with adjacent systems and jurisdictions (domestically and internationally).
- Revision and refinement are strengths, not weaknesses: the end of the tech policy design process is just the beginning: implementation, evaluation and review are vital next steps.
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Transactional services
Transactional services lead to a change in government-held records, typically involving an exchange of information, money, licences or goods.
Examples of transactional services include:
- submitting a claim
- registering a business
- updating contact details
- lodging a tax return
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Five-phase policy development process
The 5-phase policy development process is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to create effective, well-informed solutions.
It consists of five key phases, each helping to identify, develop, test, and implement solutions in a systematic manner, ensuring they meet stakeholder needs and organisational goals.
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The 5-phases
- Pre-discovery: scope and plan the project:
- Discovery: explore the problem in more detail and engage with stakeholders to understand their needs.
- Alpha: generate ideas for solutions and develop prototypes to test with stakeholders.
- Beta: build out the preferred prototype and refine it through further testing.
- Live: implement the solution and conduct regular evaluation or review.
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A structured evidence-informed approach to policy planning makes sure your work is aligned to priorities and responsive to real needs.
This page provides 9 tips to guide you through the policy development process.
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