CRDC innovation blueprint

5 Sept

Cotton Research & Development Corporation

● OVERVIEW

The CRDC set out to redefine its research prioritisation and innovation methods to support better problem identification and validation, including diverse stakeholders to de-risk innovation and deliver sustainable returns on investment.

In recognising the need for change, CRDC commissioned TGD to create an Innovation Blueprint that would survey the innovation landscape, assets and players, identify and document key cultural and behavioural changes that should be pursued, overhaul the CRDC innovation method and business model, as well as indicate supporting tools and processes.

● THE CHALLENGE

Several key factors are driving the need for change in the way that the CRDC goes about pursuing innovation in the Australian cotton industry. The need to fully engage with cotton growers and deeply understand systemic long term challenges is critical to the CRDC meeting grower expectations.

● THE PROJECT

Supported by both qualitative and quantitative analysis methods, this process followed five iterative phases that sought to engage with both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring diverse perspectives were included in the final strategy.

● TOGETHER WE:

Ran interviews and workshops across a diverse range of participants to understand what different stakeholders desire from the CRDC innovation process

Used quantitative approaches to data synthesis to rigorously test and support insights
Developed a new innovative rapid R&D process supported by bespoke tools and initiatives
Improved the innovation capacity of the CRDC team
Increase the opportunity to capture new ideas responding to grower needs and expectations

● THE RESULT

Intended to act as an ambitious blueprint for the CRDC’s future in R&D, the project provided direction on problem identification, research prioritisation, stakeholder collaboration, and commercialisation. The blueprint detailed a new way to accelerate the development of solutions across the range of intended commercial, community, policy and research outcomes. It focused on collaborative processes that deeply engage end-users - benefitting growers, researchers, government, communities and investors.

01

New Innovation Blueprint

5

Stages to accelerate, capture and realise innovation

20+

Tools described in detail to build internal innovation capacity

● THE FUTURE

Supported by an R&D process with improved research prioritisation, innovation methods, problem identification and validation strategies, CRDC are now positioned to deliver greater impact.

Our guidance on systems and processes, mindsets and behaviours, as well as critical tools and methods, mean CRDC are prepared to capture innovation benefiting the cotton industry.

● WHAT WE DELIVERED