49 The ASC also assists sports in the area of governance, commercialisation, research, coaching and leadership, and talent identification. These initiatives aim to ensure that the high performance sector is positioned to achieve sustainable success. The long-term sustainability of the AIS is a key priority and in 2016–17 the ASC finalised the AIS Future Directions project which will be used to inform the role and operating model of the AIS, its services and facilities in the national high performance network. The Win pillar is the cornerstone in the delivery of PBS Program Objective A, delivering international sporting success. Program Objective A outlines how the AIS will contribute to the ASC PBS Outcome 1. Our approach In 2016–17 the AIS continued to support the NSO high performance programs and their athletes under Australia’s Winning Edge as they undertook the final preparations for the 2016 Rio Olympics and Paralympics. The AIS continued to lead improved alignment between the AIS and all system partners, particularly state and territory institutes and academies of sport, and lead the discussion around practical, alternative, high performance institute operating models that suit the Australian sporting environment. Key activity areas included: > > providing targeted investment to NSOs and athletes to enable them to develop high performance programs that achieve international success > > providing support and advice to assist sports with high performance strategy, planning and program delivery > > development and delivery of customised athlete, coach and leader talent initiatives to optimise high performance outcomes > > planning, coordination and delivery of sports science and sports medicine expertise to ensure Australia’s athletes get the right support at the right time > > supporting innovative solutions for prioritised sports and promoting the growth of new knowledge and expertise for high performance sport > > facilitating a more aligned and streamlined performance network that supports Australia’s Winning Edge identified athletes and teams across jurisdictions.