NSW DPI makes case for bigger Clarity rollout

The NSW Department of Primary Industries has put forward a business case to Treasury to continue a software rollout aimed at making its research and development investments more transparent.

A report [PDF] by the NSW Auditor-General revealed the Department had invested "about $750,000 to date" in Clarity project and portfolio management software from CA.

The software was implemented as part of a new project approval process that included a framework that assessed the "costs and beneficiaries" of R&D investments made by the Department, the report said.

"The investment in Clarity will also result in improved R&D selection by improving strategic decision making, which will minimise Type I errors (i.e. investing in the wrong projects) and Type II errors (i.e. failing to invest in the right projects)," the report said.

"This includes ensuring activities are funded in accordance with the mix of industry and public benefits they will generate."

In addition, the Attorney-General noted that a "business case to The Treasury has been prepared to continue the development and roll-out of Clarity".

A spokesman for the Department of Primary Industry was unable to shed further light on the project.