Harnessing research and jurisdictional collaboration to sustain governance initiatives is a key role of the Desert Knowledge CRC. Its diverse partners make this both worthwhile and complex, requiring that the CRC, a virtual, widespread organisation, is an effective facilitator and broker of partnerships and knowledge rather than ‘scientific expert’.

The CRC will examine the diversity and significance of informal and formal governance arrangements, governance issues associated with the possible commercialisation of desert knowledge and the human and social needs for effective governance, management and leadership. Are these different in deserts? What do we know about remoteness and its effects on governance? What do Indigenous people know? What is the action research that will benefit participants long term? How should we decide? 

The Desert Knowledge CRC is seeking to contribute to the development of thriving economies throughout inland Australia. It is a new collaborative partnership of 13 universities, 5 Aboriginal organisations, 5 State Government agencies, the whole of the Northern Territory Government, 5 private sector participants and the Commonwealth. With the cash and in kind contributions of these partners, the CRC will conduct research and education in four key themes, one of which is the fundamental one of Governance, Management and Leadership for Sustainable Futures.

The CRC is currently in the process of identifying the key research questions in which its partners and stakeholders will invest, and which will progress the key research questions for governance in desert regions. That investment is important because it will mean that the CRC has conducted projects in genuine partnership with desert people and that the results of its research will be used. That is, the CRC will not only research good governance but must also demonstrate good governance in doing so. The paper will discuss and explore this unique task.