This program explores structured methods for helping policy developers and analysts move from identifying problems to delivering recommendations.
Drawing on proven techniques from strategic foresight, policy project management, intelligence, design thinking, and academic research, the course introduces a suite of practical analytical tools to strengthen strategic policy fundamentals: creative thinking, critical analysis, and strategic reasoning.
Participants will learn how to generate insights, stress test options, and build compelling, evidence informed recommendations tailored to a range of government contexts. The program also introduces innovative and leading edge techniques to respond to an increasingly complex and fast changing strategic environment, equipping participants to confidently navigate uncertainty, interconnected risks, and emerging policy challenges.
Designed for practitioners working in strategic policy and broader government policy and analysis roles, this program is suitable for both early‑career and experienced professionals looking to sharpen their strategic and analytical policy capability.
This program has been designed to help departments directly respond to the Australian Public Service capability reviews, which have repeatedly called for stronger strategic policy capabilities across government. This program supports the APS to better anticipate challenges, design resilient policy settings, and translate strategic intent into practical implementation through the use of innovative structured problem solving and solution identification approaches. It contributes to a more confident, future‑ready public service with the capabilities and judgement required to steward Australia’s long‑term national interests.
To enrol, please email epd.nsc@anu.edu.au.
Note: Previous iterations of this course were titled, “Analytic techniques for policy makers”.