P.PSH.1384 - Australian Country Choice Co-Innovation Manager
Value is unlocked when innovations are not only technically feasible but strategically aligned and commercially viable.
| Project start date: | 10 May 2022 |
| Project end date: | 01 December 2025 |
| Publication date: | 29 October 2025 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
This proposal is for a Co-Innovation Manager at Australian Country Choice (ACC) to further develop and implement the company's innovation strategy. It builds on previous investment at ACC by adopting a more strategic approach to innovation based on addressing the needs of the business managers through design-led thinking to identify, evaluate and implement technologies that deliver value to the business by addressing their specific needs.
Objectives
● embed a Co-Innovation Manager to align innovation with ACC’s business strategy
● implement a structured innovation process using design-led thinking
● improve innovation adoption rates and measurable impact across the business
● all objectives were successfully achieved and evidenced through capability uplift, project delivery, and innovation culture change.
Key findings
● innovation activity nearly doubled, with 15 concept proposals initiated over three years
● new performance metrics enabled better tracking of operational and commercial outcomes
● innovation became a core business capability embedded across ACC operations.
Benefits to industry
The project provides a validated, scalable framework for innovation management in red meat supply chains. Practical tools and a structured process are now available to support broader industry adoption, reduce cost of production, and increase product value.
MLA action
Future research and development should focus on validating multi-metric innovation KPIs, developing tools to quantify sustainability outcomes, and applying structured innovation frameworks across pre-farm gate and retail environments. These activities would help the industry align innovation with strategic and environmental objectives.
Future research
Further work should focus on developing benchmarking tools using composite innovation KPIs and quantifying sustainability outcomes. Industry should also invest in capability development and create communities of practice to share insights and accelerate adoption.
More information
| Project manager: | Alicia Waddington |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | Australian Country Choice Holdings |
