The Annual Operational Plan is one of the central references for the Corporation’s business and is drawn from the Corporate Strategic Plan and industry specific plans.  It captures the key R&D priorities which we will address in 2001–2002. The Annual Operational Plan also spells out the budget allocations that will drive the implementation of the Plan.

The 2001–2002 Plan seeks to take in the views of the Commonwealth Government and industry. While recognising the Commonwealth as our largest single funder, the Corporation will only get its priorities right by working in close consultation with RIRDC-related industry in terms of the strategic agenda. Our industry linkages are summarised in Appendix V in the context of our broader accountability framework.

This framework outlines the way we do business and the processes by which we ensure our performance aligns with the strategies we have identified in our plan.  Our operations are presented in terms of the Government’s inputs – outputs – outcomes budget framework. Further details on this framework are at Appendix II.

Each year, our Annual Operational Plan is submitted to the Minister for approval before we can put the budget to work. (A copy of the Chair’s transmittal letter to the Government on the Plan is at Appendix I.) The Federal Government has now provided us with this approval. This Plan is now operational for the year 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002 and is therefore essential reading for those wanting to ‘get inside’ the diversity and directions of our operations.

If you are uncertain about any aspect of RIRDC’s activities, do not hesitate to contact us. Details are in the ‘Corporate Directory’ on the inside back cover of this document. Our homepage on our website — www.rirdc.gov.au — is also a convenient and comprehensive reference to the operations of the Corporation.
 

Professor Beth Woods Chair 31 May 2000

Peter Core Managing Director 31 May 2000

Strategic Plan

Our vision is for a more profitable, dynamic and sustainable rural sector.

To achieve this vision RIRDC will be:
 

• Recognised as a leading manager of research and development.
• Commercially oriented and have tangible cost-effective delivery benefits for stakeholders.
• Professional and ethical.
• Accountable to client groups and government.

Our Mission

RIRDC’s mission is to make and manage research and development investments on behalf of government and industry for the benefit of the rural sector.

RIRDC has three core businesses:
 

1. Fostering the development of new industries — both prospective and emerging;
2. Managing research and development investments for established industries;
3. Addressing strategic cross-sectoral issues facing the rural sector.