CSIRO tool to connect SMEs, research sector – Food & Drink Business

CSIRO has launched The Collaboration Readiness Levels (CRL), a new tool to help SMEs connect with the research sector. The CRL tool will help businesses determine the best way to engage and collaborate with publicly funded research organisations.

CSIRO SME Connect deputy director, George Feast said the tool had been created in response to recommendations in the Enablers and Barriers to Industry R&D Collaboration report, where 800 SMEs said a device like this was needed to help them successfully navigate research and development opportunities.

“Our research found when SMEs collaborate with universities or research organisations in Australia, they have higher levels of innovation, are better able to deal with uncertainty and are more profitable.”

“The tool is backed by research which was developed using outcomes from interviews with SMEs and related data analysis in collaboration with partners at the University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and RMIT University.

“We anticipate that wide use of the Collaboration Readiness Levels tool will help Australian SMEs find well suited partners and programs,” Feast said.

CSIRO’s tool helps businesses understand their readiness level to engage with R&D and links each level with suggested steps to progress activities beneficial to the company.

The five levels of readiness are:
1. Considering
2. Networking
3. Cooperating
4. Engaging
5. Partnering

Associate Dean (Research) Faculty of Business, Economics and Law, University of Queensland Professor Martie-Louise Verreynne said “while aimed at SMEs who are looking for guidance, the CRL tool can also be used by funding agents, business development workers and research organisation staff who have a role in commercialising science for economic impact.

“The CRL tool provides information to participants on the types of collaborative activity with publicly funded research organisations s that most suits their business and enables facilitators and researchers to manage the expectations of SMEs,” Verreynne said.