V.RMH.0010 - Hargraves Institute FY 25 content development, delivery & evaluation of the MLA Co-Innovation Program
The Co-Innovation program funding facilitates higher level and more impactful outcomes from innovation projects. Excellence in innovation requires a combination of attributes, which the Co-Innovation program provides.
| Project start date: | 12 August 2024 |
| Project end date: | 21 December 2025 |
| Publication date: | 23 September 2025 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
MLA supports innovation across the red meat sector by co-funding innovation managers for a term of three years. To improve the performance of these managers MLA requires a qualified service provider to develop content, plan and deliver four network meetings (digital and face-to-face) and conduct surveys of program performance for MLA. This provider also delivered the five-year measurement and evaluation for the Co-Innovation program and a plan for the next five-year strategy.
Objectives
Hargraves Institute was contracted to develop content, plan and deliver up to four network meetings (digital and face to face) and conduct surveys of program performance to support MLA Co-Innovation Managers succeed in their role.
The topics for the sessions in 2024-25 were:
1. AI and machine learning in the red meat industry
2. Innovation adoption
3. Real time data for smarter decision making
4. Sustainability in the red meat industry.
An additional requirement of the contract was the Co-Innovation Program five-year Measurement and evaluation project. A final report for this was submitted in February 2025.
Key findings
Based on the findings of the project, the conclusions were:
1. The Co-Innovation program is critical for the innovation process in participating companies.
2. The Co-Innovation program funding facilitates higher level and more impactful outcomes
from innovation projects.
3. The Co-Innovation program lifts the level of innovation both within companies and across
the industry.
4. The capability development focus is instrumental in lifting capability and driving innovation
in companies.
5. MLA input and support is highly valued.
Benefits to industry
The key deliverable was a report with recommendations for the next 5-year plan to assist Co-Innovation Managers succeed in their role. Specifically, the project sought to:
• review of capability building modules to align with current market conditions and business
processes
• capture the impact and outcomes of the Co-innovation program in participating enterprises based on both quantitative and qualitative data
• report on the intangible benefits of the program investment in terms of capability, organisational culture, leadership, employee experience, customer experience and collaboration
• recommend enhancements and improvement to grow the value of the program for the industry as a whole and for individual enterprises.
MLA action
Continue and expand the program and the scope of the Co-Innovation Manager role.
Maintain the diversity of companies and the external focus of companies in the program.
Future research
The Co-Innovation Capability Development program be retained with quarterly sessions, two short online catch ups and two longer face-to-face sessions.
Participants be invited to co-create the curriculum to ensure that it meaningfully addresses their learning needs and working context.
At least one face-to-face session per year is held on a participating work site, accompanied by a tour of the operation and deep learning activity.
More information
| Project manager: | Alicia Waddington |
| Contact email: | Reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | Hargraves Institute Pty Ltd |
