12. Action plan
Develop a detailed short-term plan in line with the designed pathway, outlining actions needed to reach the vision.
At a glance
Goal
Short-term action-plan in line with the designed pathway
Input
Current situation analysis + pathway
Methods
Brainstorming, modelling
Relative workload
Medium
Output
A detailed action plan outlining specific tasks, deadlines and responsibilities.
Steps
1. Formulate short-term sub-goals in line with the long-term change.
2. For each sub-goal, design an action/a specific task.
3. Set time horizon and deadlines.
4. Allocate resources and responsibilities.
Short vs. long term
The short-term action plan must reflect the long-term goals (i.e. the outcome of the Vision and Criteria modules) and take the starting point (see Current situation module) into consideration. Depending who is involved, different action plans are possible (e.g. more top-down or bottom-up, or mixed).
Changes vs. actions
Whereas the changes in the pathway are specific achievements or end states, the action plan is a list of initial steps to be taken to realise these achievements.
Examples
Actions to be taken could include (non-exhaustive list):
- Feasibility studies for different technologies that are relevant for a chosen solution.
- Planning and implementation of various pre-studies.
- Design and implementation of information campaigns and educational/training activities.
- Niche management activities.
Example of table structure for action plan:
