Request for Quotation: AgriFutures Global Innovation (GIN) Strategy Development

The scope of work includes two program reviews (evokeAG. and growAG.) and development of a GIN Strategy for 2027-2032, this will encompass current programs and recommendations for the future approach. This scope of work is designed to ensure a thorough, evidence-based review, and strategic approach for the GIN function, supporting AgriFutures’ objectives and the broader innovation ecosystem.

All aspects of this work will be fed into AgriFutures’ Strategic Research and Innovation Plan 2027 – 2032 which will be completed in parallel to this scope of work.

Background

AgriFutures Global Innovation Networks was established as strategic function and one of 5 focus areas (Focus Area 5) in AgriFutures Australia Strategic Research & Innovation Plan 2022-2027. It has one priority in the 16:5:5 plan which is “Engage with the global agrifood innovation system by: Ensuring Australia is a leader in accessing and adopting, as well as developing and exporting, agrifood technologies and innovation.” Programs detailed in the plan at the time of publishing included evokeAG., AgriFutures growAG., Producer Technology Uptake Program, Innovation Hubs, extensionAus, and Global Challenge Project.

During the delivery of the AgriFutures Strategic Research & Innovation Plan 2022-2027 there has been a movement away from programs other than evokeAG. and growAG. resulting in several of the above programs being wound down. Reasons for these included challenges around clear impact measurement and program design, the evolution of the ecosystem resulted in players better positioned to deliver like activity, and the long-term sustainability of the program beyond initial funding.

However, despite the consolidation in programs the GIN function and its program delivery have matured to play a critical national coordination role, connecting research, innovation, industry, and international markets in unique way both in a domestic and international context. evokeAG. and growAG. are seen by stakeholders and partners as trusted platforms that connect producers, innovators, investors, and researchers. The Global Innovation Networks function amplifies this by creating pathways for international partnerships and technology adoption. The two programs work to increase the visibility and global positioning of Australian agrifood innovation, ensuring Australia competes for international partnerships, investment, and technology. Part of their role is as the connective tissue in a fragmented but thriving domestic agrifood ecosystem and to drive investment through the acceleration of research and innovation into commercial opportunity. Based on recent impact assessments conducted both programs have delivered a positive benefit to cost ratio.

Services required

All stages of the project require the following:

1. AgriFutures and Stakeholder Engagement

• Internal engagement with the GIN team, wider AgriFutures business, and AgriFutures Leadership Team through interviews and workshops.
• Engage and collect feedback from external stakeholders and previous interviews conducted in previous stakeholder interviews
• The number of anticipated interviews/engagement sessions would be between 25 to 40)

2. Strategic Positioning

• Clarify the role of the GIN function’s programs, evokeAG. and growAG.
• Develop and test the long-term vision for evokeAG., growAG. along with a combined approach for the two programs.
• Establish alignment between GIN and its programs with and AgriFutures’ strategic objectives and statuary requirements.

3. Performance and Impact Metrics

• Propose performance and impact metrics, considering current impact assessment and MER frameworks.

4. Governance and Operational Efficiency

• Review governance structures to ensure transparency, agility, and accountability.
• Provide recommendations for resource allocation, partnership management, and decision-making models that support operational efficiency and strategic ambition.

5. Risk and Opportunity Assessment

• Develop frameworks for assessing risk and opportunity associated with GIN programs and function e.g., commercial, reputational, geopolitical, regulatory, and market risks and opportunities.

How to make a submission

Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted to the designated project contact manager:

Harriet Mellish

Email: Harriet.Mellish@agrifutures.com.au

Phone: 0417 389 106