What was it all about?

This investment helped agricultural research organisations improve how they plan for adoption and impact in research, development and extension (RD&E) projects. 

Working across multiple Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), the project supported researchers, extension practitioners and funders to embed extension thinking from the start of projects rather than as an activity added at the end. Participants reported increased confidence, stronger capability and more deliberate planning for impact, supported by practical tools, coaching and peer learning. 

The project team worked with 12 RD&E projects across a range of agricultural industries and delivered more than 150 coaching sessions, 11 webinars, three national forums and a Community of Practice. It helped participants apply seven principles for improving adoption and impact, including systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, co-design and designing for impact. Key outputs included the Maximising impact handbook, webinar recordings, practical tools and a suite of resources to support future projects. 

The project will help research organisations, extension practitioners and funders design and deliver RD&E projects that achieve greater industry impact. The principles, tools and resources developed through the project will support stronger stakeholder engagement, improved adoption planning, greater collaboration across industries and more effective delivery of outcomes for growers and the broader agricultural sector. 

ACT NOW

Download the Maximising impact handbook: Making the most of agricultural research, development and extension activities.