Overview
The CRDC set out to redefine their 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
There are a number of key factors 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
The approach taken to develop this Strategy was founded in principles of human-centered design as well as complex systems methods.
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 final Strategy.
Together, we:
Ran interviews and workshops across a diverse range of participants to understand what different stakeholders desire from CRDC innovation process
Used quantitative approaches to data synthesis in order 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 CRDCs 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 development of solutions across the range of intended commercial, community, policy and research outcomes. It focused around a collaborative processes that deeply engage end-users - benefitting growers, researchers, government, communities and investors.
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
Interviews and workshops
Insight reports
Innovation program design and a new R&D process
Program supporting initiatives
Stakeholder Engagement methods and approaches
Step by step guide of 20+ tools to accompany the new process
Human-centred design
Visual and information design
