Through Thick and Thin - Escaping the Iron Law of Business as Usual
Channel: The Royal Society of Victoria
Date: 15/04/2021

Nicholas Gruen from Lateral Economics defines "thin" policy problems as those that can be resolved through a straight-forward reform process, while "thick" problems are those messy, complex problems that require an intimate understanding of what's happening on the ground and an engagement with people at the local and regional level to win lasting and effective change. Australia is good at the first one, and terrible at the second.

Where thin problems can be effectively managed from the top, for thick problems, institutional learning must travel ‘up’ the chain of command as well as down – from out in the field to the centre as well as in the other direction. Yet there are profound institutional and cultural obstacles preventing this from occurring, and where it does occur, preventing it from being embedded or properly institutionalised. 

Landcare and the wellbeing of our communities is a thick problem. Nicholas traces the contours of this Gordian knot and challenges us to untie it.

Produced for the Royal Societies of Australia 2021 Stewardship of Country symposium with the support of Inspiring Victoria and the Royal Society of Victoria. Full webinar proceedings can be viewed at https://fb.watch/4TwBY3qS3W/.