2012/731 Optimising industry adoption: Case studies on the efficacy of current Australian Seafood CRC research extension processes

By Anni Conn

The aim of this study was to assist in identifying the strategies and processes utilised in the extension, education and training of Seafood CRC research outcomes and to highlight the associated challenges and successes encountered during industry application of Seafood CRC facilitated research project outputs.

A series of case studies were carried out on four unique Seafood CRC Program 1 (Production Innovation) research projects, specifically focusing on the extension processes and strategies used in each and the subsequent level of industry adoption.

The most commonly identified research and development extension and adoption strategies, recognised as being effective by the interviewees from all four projects are as follows:

• Prioritising of commercial outcomes by research provider.
• Research direction and process driven by industry participant / participants
• Simple working / communication structure such as one research provider – one industry partner.
• Pre-existing, solid, respect based relationship between research provider and industry participant / participants.
• No obstacles between researcher, industry partner and adoption.
• Fostering of research ownership by the industry partner / industry participants.
• Research, development and extension process not bound up in policies or process.
• Willingness to share IP and an open door policy to wider industry
• Effective project facilitation by Seafood CRC to underline expectations and streamline communication processes
• Ongoing face-to-face meetings between research provider and industry
• Real time communication between research provider and industry