A project designed to help turn bright new farm sector ideas into reality, to help the agricultural industry meet the challenges of the future, has been launched by Rothamsted Centre for Research and Enterprise.
The aim is to gather bright ideas from innovators, researchers and investors in time to allow them to be examined during the Rothamsted Open Innovation Forum (ROIF), which is due to be held from January 18-20, 2017. The deadline for submissions is Thursday this week, December 15, and the scope for suggestions is as broad as applicants wish to make it.
“Whether it’s an animal health initiative which is working on a local basis, a new development in breeding or nutrition, or the next step in cutting edge technology, if it can help the agri-food sector move forward then we want to hear about it,” said Rothamsted’s chief executive, Chris Dunkley.
Although a new concept for the agricultural industry, the open innovation forum approach has already worked well for other industries.
“Open innovation has delivered real benefits across other sectors and has real potential to drive the British agri-food sector into the 22nd Century,” said Mr Dunkley. “But it’s not about us setting the agenda, which is why we need to hear from those in the industry who have seen the challenges and have potential answers to them, but who need a little help to take things forward.”
The January 18-20 forum will include a two-day conference to identify specific areas on which to focus, followed by practical workshops with key stakeholders to work out how to turn good new ideas into reality.