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OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT
A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP
MLA’s fully-owned subsidiary—MLA Donor Company Limited (MDC)—provided a vehicle for commercial investment in research partnerships of $16.3 million by individual enterprises in 2007–08. We used this to accelerate the adoption of commercially focused innovation by the red meat industry and to increase the innovation culture and capability of individual enterprises.
We achieved greater integration of MDC activities across the broader range of MLA programs during the year after developing a more structured approach to MDC programs and services in May 2007. This ensured MLA’s overall portfolio of services to industry continues to grow and we deliver significant benefit to industry stakeholders.
| MDC INVESTMENTS (NO. OF PROJECTS) | 2006–07 | 2007–08 | ↑↓ |
|---|---|---|---|
| New contracts | $16.3m (64) | $22.0m (89) | ↑35% |
| Completed and terminated contracts | $11.2m (58) | $21.4m (49) | ↑91% |
| Live contracts @ 30/06 | $38.9m (73) | $39.5 (112) | ↑1.5% |
COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION STRATEGY
After a trial period of three years, we launched a new model during 2007–08 to facilitate the development of broad innovation capabilities throughout the supply chain. The model provides for accelerated adoption of R&D outcomes, a more strategic focus in innovation initiatives and greater impact derived from investment in innovation by companies.
The initiative allowed us to co-develop broad innovation strategies with seven businesses that met commercial imperatives, while maintaining a focus on implementing key industry innovation priorities.
We expect the collaborative strategies to extend over three to five years and include a number of projects that are co-funded by MDC. These include:
- R&D to develop innovative value-added products
- adoption of new technologies and processes
- enhancing sustainability and improving natural resource management
- implementation of new business models based on supply chain management principles
- skills development and innovation capability building projects
Facilitation processes will include measurement of innovation capability and developing industry baselines by applying the Innovation Capability Diagnostic tool (developed by MLA and WAVE Global).
