Department of foreign affairs and trade/csiro
January - july 2022
Image c/o DFAT Media Library - Australian Government/Embassy of Vietnam/Vu Bich Ngoc
The Challenge
The Aus4Innovation (A4I) program, funded by DFAT and CSIRO, is a crucial initiative for fostering innovation cooperation between Australia and Vietnam. With a substantial budget of AUD 33.5 million and a recent extension until 2028, the program aims to drive innovation across all 37 provinces in Vietnam. However, navigating the complexities of fostering science commercialisation and strengthening Vietnam’s innovation policy required a robust Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) strategy. A strategic approach was necessary to enhance the program’s effectiveness and secure future funding.
The Solution
Strategic undertook a comprehensive reorientation of the MEL approach for the A4I program. This included introducing a systematic and rigorous reporting framework, alongside conducting an independent review, which concluded with Strategic designing the next phase of the program to secure the next 5 years of funding. In addition, we developed a series of case studies, including an Institutional History of CSIRO’s long-standing relationship with Can Tho University (CTU), in order to explore changes in CTU’s innovation capability and capacity, and the role A4I played in these changes. We facilitated the program's first-ever multi-day strategy planning session with key stakeholders, which led to a reconceptualised MEL framework. The redesign included a new Theory of Change and a tailored Performance Assessment Framework to address the needs of various stakeholders, including DFAT, CSIRO, and the Ministry of Science and Technology. This adaptive MEL system ensures that the evidence gathered contributes to accountability and learning within the program.
The Outcome
As a result of these efforts, Strategic has successfully established a MEL system that is not only fit for purpose but also enhances the program's responsiveness to the dynamic environment in which it operates. The evidence gathered through this approach supports ongoing learning and adaptation, facilitating informed decision-making.
We are contracted to provide ongoing MEL support and we continue to ensure the quality of all MEL reports and interventions, solidifying the program's foundation for achieving its objectives and securing continued success in its mission to promote innovation in Vietnam.
