Project aim
• What is the value proposition and the processes and resources required which will engage researchers in incorporating an adoption pathway in the design and delivery of the projects they are involved in, where researchers can articulate ‘where’ on the impact pathway their research starts and finishes and what role it plays in identifying core problems and finding solutions.
Project outcome
• Researchers and extension officers actively engaged in the design of a theory of change that will best inform the pathways to adoption and impact.
Context
• This is not about the design of the technology or the research methodology (although these will contribute to adoption and impact), it is specifically about mapping the role of extension in supporting projects to optimise adoption and impact.
Final report
question has perplexed us for decades, and it seems there are no simple silver bullets. It’s a complex problem but through
this project, ‘Designing the integration of extension into research projects’ we were able to distil seven principles for
obtaining greater adoption of outcomes from RD&E.
• Use a systems perspective,
• Use human-centered design,
• Involve end-users,
• Use an appropriate level of co-design,
• Design for impact,
• Use agile management, and
• Communicate and engage effectively
Coutts (Coutts J&R). We worked closely with the nine project co-funders: Hort Innovation, Cotton Research and
Development Corporation (RDC), Wine Australia, Fisheries RDC, Dairy Australia, Australian Eggs, AgriFutures, LiveCorp,
and NSW DPI.
