The nexus of Value Chain Integration and e-Business applications on public sector agriculture R&D management
Judy Matthews
Australian National University; University of Queensland; Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Art Shulman
Australian National University; University of Queensland; Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Arnold Wissemann
Australian National University; University of Queensland; Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Paul Steffens
Australian National University; University of Queensland; Queensland Department of Primary Industries
Andrew Wollin
Australian National University; University of Queensland; Queensland Department of Primary Industries
PP: 165 - 175
Abstract
We examine the potential impact of interconnectivity of value chain partnerships through electronic means (e-business practices) on the management of Public Sector Agriculture R&D in Australia.
We review the changing forms of managing research and development, the forces driving these changes, and R&D processes that are theoretically consistent with the move towards value chain involvement and the increase in active constituents in Public Sector Agriculture R&D. We then explore the potential of emerging e-business models to change the patterns of inter-connectivity, speed and omnipresence of partners in the value chain.
Three e-business R&D management practices are identified that provide the prerequisite flexibility necessary to take advantage of opportunistic markets. These R&D business practices are: compressing R&D to reduce time to market, fostering co-development to enter a market at the last moment and building flexible products that allow adjustment at the last possible moment. Some fundamental reallocation of existing resources will be required to meet these markets.
Implications of these e-business practices for R&D management are discussed.
Keywords
value chain partnerships, R&D management, interconnectivity, e-business, flexible product
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