Articles
CHANGE IN AUSTRALIAN HORTICULTURE: THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER MANAGER NETWORK
Article number
724_43
Pages
329 – 333
Language
English
Abstract
In 1990, Horticulture Australia Ltd., in collaboration with industry, began employing Industry Development Officers (IDOs) to work with groups and individuals who regularly use, exchange and create knowledge, and to develop networks encompassing industry stakeholders for the purpose of facilitating the adoption of technology, including the outcomes of industry funded R&D. This IDO network has since expanded to include Industry Development Managers (IDMs) working at a national level within industry.
A key function of these roles has been to link actual and potential stakeholders, owners of resources and other relevant individuals and groups across an entire industry to relevant sources of information and technology.
This has been combined with the implementation of various extension methods designed to achieve technology adoption.
Within each industry, stakeholders have been involved in deciding which methods are most likely to be successful and in determining the key outcomes to be achieved by the IDOs/IDMs to enhance the development of the industry.
Evaluation of specific extension methods and reviews of the effectiveness of these strategies have assisted industries to modify activities where necessary.
Considerable change within Australian horticulture has been facilitated at all levels as a result of the activities undertaken by IDOs/IDMs.
There has been an improvement in stakeholder interest in industry-funded R&D, along with an increased knowledge of how the Commonwealth government invests in horticultural development across Australia.
A key function of these roles has been to link actual and potential stakeholders, owners of resources and other relevant individuals and groups across an entire industry to relevant sources of information and technology.
This has been combined with the implementation of various extension methods designed to achieve technology adoption.
Within each industry, stakeholders have been involved in deciding which methods are most likely to be successful and in determining the key outcomes to be achieved by the IDOs/IDMs to enhance the development of the industry.
Evaluation of specific extension methods and reviews of the effectiveness of these strategies have assisted industries to modify activities where necessary.
Considerable change within Australian horticulture has been facilitated at all levels as a result of the activities undertaken by IDOs/IDMs.
There has been an improvement in stakeholder interest in industry-funded R&D, along with an increased knowledge of how the Commonwealth government invests in horticultural development across Australia.
Authors
L. Mann, L. Thompson
Keywords
technology adoption, communication networks, extension, facilitation, education, training, adult learning
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