Rocket Lab launches an Electron rocket from Mahia Peninsula, a shining example of New Zealand innovation on the world stage. Photo / RocketLab
Rocket Lab launches an Electron rocket from Mahia Peninsula, a shining example of New Zealand innovation on the world stage. Photo / RocketLab
COMMENT
When we think of innovation, we tend to think along the lines of digital, or high-tech manufacturing. Rocket Lab, Gallagher, and Fisher & Paykel are examples that might come to mind.
Allbirds, Les Mills and Whittakers maybe less so, but innovation is at the heart of all these companies andin large, that is why they stay ahead of the game.
Innovation can happen in any industry, and any business has the potential to innovate and create new strengths of its own.
Innovation is the creation of new, or improvement to existing, methods, ideas, or products. It is achieved through research and experimental development (R&D), which is the systematic process for the creation of new knowledge, or new applications of knowledge.
New knowledge is valuable, and it can often be claimed as intellectual property (IP). A requirement of R&D (research and development) is that the outcome can be reproduced, so it is important to ensure your IP (intellectual property) is protected.
I suggest two things to think about when choosing where to innovate. Firstly, the purpose behind R&D is to solve a problem, so what are some of the problems you could solve or reduce through new methods, ideas or products?
Secondly, you might have heard of the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule: about 80 per cent of outcomes come from about 20 per cent of causes. I translate this rule to, "play to your strengths".
What are your strengths, or competitive advantages? How can you get creative to build, maintain and leverage these?
One major strength for Northland, and indeed New Zealand, is our environment. We often overlook our environment as a strength because it is shared by others within it. But if we step back, and consider a national or global market, there is only one Tai Tokerau.
By doing business here, we have access to an environment that the rest of the world doesn't. Marine, agriculture and horticulture are great examples of these regional strengths.
Innovation is increasingly present in our ag-hort sectors as irrigation systems, fertilisers, and equipment is developed in new ways. We innovate within the food and beverage sector as we develop new ways to process and blend ingredients.
Sam Mather - business growth adviser. Uncertainty is a key facet of R&D; we can't know the outcome, or it wouldn't be new knowledge, he says. Photo / Supplied
Consider the enormous amount of R&D that goes into the America's Cup's boats in attempts to be incrementally faster than the others. I'm certain this will provide more opportunities for innovation within our marine industry here in Northland, if it hasn't already.
Uncertainty is a key facet of R&D; we can't know the outcome, or it wouldn't be new knowledge. So, when undertaking an R&D project it is important to focus on the problem and keep an open mind about the solution.
The intention may be to increase efficiency, crop yields, or it could be to reduce environmental impact. There are many ways to do each, and so long as there is new knowledge being created or applied, the outcome of R&D is likely to be innovative and could give your business an edge.
R&D can be expensive, but there is support available to help. Agmardt provides expert and capital support for innovation within the agricultural, horticultural and forestry industries.
New Zealand Food Innovation Network supports the development of our food and beverage industry. Callaghan Innovation can provide expert and capital support for R&D and IP protection.
If you're interested in innovating, protecting your IP, or would simply like more information, please reach out to growth@northlandnz.com and speak to one of our innovation specialists.
There is no cost to you; our role is to understand your needs, guide you through the R&D process, and connect you with the appropriate support.
• Sam Mather is a growth adviser in the Business Innovation and Growth team at Northland Inc, the regional economic development agency.
