It would do:

Communicate effectively

Adaptive learning is a communicative process that identifies and opens pathways of communication across all organisational levels (and beyond) to share knowledge. Success and failure provide learning opportunities.

Eliminate information silos

Effective communication pathways avoid knowledge 'silos' and facilitate interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary approaches to knowledge generation to ensure that new understandings are conveyed broadly and inform future action.

Utilise diverse knowledge

Adaptive systems utilise diverse forms of knowledge (e.g. local, indigenous, scientific). An accessible and up-to-date knowledge management system that accommodates a range of data sources and is supported by routine processes for system renewal can facilitate faster response times and increased adaptation-especially if linked to monitoring and evaluation systems.

Accept uncertainty and some loss of control

Uncertainty is challenging for organisational managers responsible in dynamic and complex coastal contexts.

Nonetheless, command and control systems have been shown to be ineffective, and even harmful, in these contexts. Sharing responsibility for decision-making actions and outcomes can help release some of this perceived need for control.

Critically assess outcomes

Learning outcomes should be assessed against system and organisational goals. Adaptive organisations are prepared to change broader goals if feedback indicates that these are no longer appropriate.

"Learning from successes is important, however it is equally important to create a 'safe to fail' environment where less successful outcomes are used as learning instruments."