Designing the integration of extension into research projects (HA21001)

What was it all about?

In 2022, this investment examined how the agricultural sector can get greater adoption of the outcomes from RD&E projects and proposed practical steps for rural research and development corporations to consider for future investments.

The project was a collaboration involving Hort Innovation, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Wine Australia, Eggs Australia, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, LiveCorp, Dairy Australia, AgriFutures and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.   

Taking a co-design approach, this project had input from over 240 researchers, extension personnel and growers/farmers. The research team collected data from various sources such as literature, recent projects, an online survey, focus groups and co-design workshops.   

The research identified some practical ways project teams can improve the integration of extension into their research projects. The key themes were:  

• Use a systems perspective  
• Use human-centered design  
• Involve end-users  
• Use an appropriate level of co-design  
• Design for impact  
• Use agile management  
• Communicate and engage effectively.  

The recommendations from this pilot investment are highly relevant to Hort Innovation, and also included recommendations for RDC’s to consider when identifying, procuring and managing investments.

Phase Two of the project will pilot the recommended principles with researchers and extension practitioners engaged in levy-funded projects across different RDCs.  

ACT NOW

Hear from the researchers about the project and its findings in the below video.