The phrase "to set the direction" means to establish the path or goals that an individual, team, or organization will follow. It involves deciding the course of action and determining the desired outcome. Full definition
This trio of exhibitions set the direction of the gallery's program, which is devoted to exploring the conceptual foundations and subsequent implications of contemporary (photo) graphic practice. (artspace.com)
Unfortunately, Compass has recently chosen to allow members and elected representatives of parties that stand against Labour to become members of Compass and help set its direction. (leftfutures.org)
Most decisions are made locally; state governments set the direction and create conditions for success; and the federal government gets involved when something's become unjust. (educationnext.org)