WAMMCO Collaborative Innovation Strategies Program

Summary

Background
Based on an approach that has been piloted in recent years in the processing sector, MLA has developed a new innovation service area known as the Collaborative Innovation Strategies program (CISp). The overall objective of the new program is to facilitate the development of broad innovation capabilities throughout the whole supply chain leading to accelerated adoption of R&D outcomes; a more strategic focus in innovation initiatives; and greater impact derived from investment in innovation by companies.
The intention of the initiative is to focus on the co-development of broad innovation strategies with individual enterprises (or in some cases syndicates of SME’s) which meet commercial imperatives but also focus on the implementation of key industry and government innovation priorities. The CISp program includes a variety of approaches, tailored to meet the needs of different sectors within the industry including (but not limited to): processors; pastoral companies; feedlots; family farms; and value-adding companies. ​
Methodology
Using a structured workshop process which has been customised to the particular enterprise, MLA assists the partner company to develop and document a comprehensive enterprise innovation strategy. The innovation strategy is integrated with the company’s overall business strategy and includes measurable performance indicators which identify the contribution of innovation to the ‘bottom-line’ and achievement of key business objectives (e.g. productivity improvements; market access and market development; growing consumer demand; addressing community expectations and regulatory requirements in areas such as product integrity, environment and animal welfare; ability to attract and retain key labour).
Ultimately the innovation strategy is expected to significantly increase the company’s capability to adopt the outcomes of R&D and to contribute to the enterprise’s long-term profitability, competitiveness and sustainability.
The scope of the innovation strategy is potentially quite broad and could include initiatives in the areas of: New products and marketsDevelopment and/or adoption of new technologies and production processesApplication of new science and knowledgeNew business systems and models eg value chain innovation; new strategic alliancesOrganisation culture and capability, particularly in the area of building innovation capability

The timeframe for the innovation strategy is initially for a three year period, although individual projects are likely to be addressing both immediate and longer term horizons as determined by the organization’s own priorities.
WAMMCO CISp program

The purpose of these projects were the development and implementation of a Collaborative Innovation Strategy between Western Australian Meat Marketing Co-operative Limited (WAMMCO) and Meat and Livestock Australia. This innovation strategy was to be integrated into the company's overall business strategy and eas to include measurable performance indicators which identified the contribution of innovation to the bottom line and achievement of key business objectives.
The support time frame for development and implementation of the collaborative innovation strategy was intended to be three years and included co-funding of an Innovation Manager. This project was mutually terminated early by WAMMCO and MLA due to a change in business focus by WAMMCO.