Cooperative Research CentresTransition Planning for CRCsMr Anthony Murfett

CRC Branch / Research Division17 May 2011

Presentation Overview

1. CRC program – transition planning

2. What is a transition plan?

3. Why the need for a transition plan?

4. Questions answered in a transition plan

5. Transition planning – the approach

6. First principles - what’s in & what’s out?

7. Developing the strategy

Without an effective plan for the future, where will the CRC be at the end of program funding?

Or worse still …

1. CRC Program – Transition Planning

The CRC program is a highly competitive, merit-based grants program

Funding provided to solve a major challenge within the funding term

There is no guarantee of recurrent funding

CRCs are asked to develop a transition plan to ensure the impact of the CRC is captured

Since 2009, any CRC can be asked to prepare a transition plan as a condition of funding

Following third year reviews, many 2006 CRCs have been asked to prepare a transition plan

2. What is a Transition Plan?

Describes ‘life after’ CRC program funds have ceased

Covers commercial and public good activities

A flexible planning document

strategy for any post-CRC program activity

high level, broad detail, flesh-out over time

no single ‘best approach’

The future

Where is the CRC now

CREATIVE TENSIONCREATIVE TENSION

2. What is a Transition Plan?

Explains:

long term goals

strategies to achieve those goals

what, and how, commercial, public good outputs and ‘know how’ will be ‘transitioned’ to maximise the benefit to Australia

• includes services, education material and programs and research pipelines.

the expected legacy of the CRC

Not an exact science

3. Why the need for a Transition Plan?

To plan ahead to maximise the outcomes of the CRC

collaborative partnerships

research outputs, outcomes, IP and know how

Ongoing activities require alternative resources and new strategies

Must consider strategies (Plan A, B, even C, and the risks)

Preparation needs to commence from the start. Consider where you want to be and work backwards

4. Questions answered in a Transition Plan

long term utilisation strategy?

long term organisation/business strategy?

products/services to be delivered and how?

financial and other resources needed?

how will they be secured?

what does a risk analysis (S.W.O.T.) reveal?

5. Transition Planning – the approach

Consideration should be given to:

legacy?

strategy and back-up strategy?

identify and mitigate risks?

will the current CRC operating structure aid or restrict operations post-CRC grant (e.g. IP, tax, capital gain)?

how will (or should) the CRC, or other collaboration, continue to operate after CRC program funding?

resources needed?

sources of funding and other resources?

how to maximise the use of IP and other CRC know-how?

5. Transition Plan – the approach A path to adoption

consider appropriate path/s to adoption (commercial/public good)

maximise collaborative partnerships

maximise diffusion of IP and know-how

continually disseminate new information amongst decision makers

refine in light of experience and developments

Transition options include:

exclusive and non-exclusive licences

research agreements or contracts

continued joint ventures

spin-off companies

wind up (but legacy or impact of CRC continues)

6. First Principles - What’s in & What’s out?

Determine Strategy & Options for each technology/activity/research topic

CRC’s current activities/research

What will continue?Why?

What won’t continue?Why?

Any new activities/research?Why & why not?

««« Post CRC Program Funding »»»««« Post CRC Program Funding »»»

7. Developing the Strategy

The Centre

What does the centre do and what is its intended legacy?

The Future

Overall goals for the centre?

The Resources

What is required and where will it come from?

The CentreWhat does the Centre do and what is its intended

legacy?

Commercial potential

Competitors

Market Conditions

IP protection – what, how?

Limitations and risks

Likely Business Model

Resources and funding required

SWOT Analysis

Strategy for deployment, including who, how and why

The Future

Short & long term goals? What activities will be undertaken to meet them?

Basic business plan for proposed model (Plan A), incl. outline of expected income and expenses

Proposed model for sustainability? Risks/benefits of model? What is Plan B or C if Plan A is not feasible?

Will ongoing activities include an education program?

Governance and management structure? Is it the most efficient and effective?

Overall goals for the Centre?

The Resources

If not ongoing – provide a brief strategy for how outcomes will be supported into the future

Is a specific rate of return for supporters required? How will this be realised?

How much money is required up-front? Where will it come from?

What proportion will be sought from other sources?

What staff, facilities and resources will be needed?What is the planned timeframe?

Are supporters and stakeholders engaged and committed?

What is required and where will it come from?

The CRC Program - Building an enduring legacy

Further Information

CRC Website www.crc.gov.au

CRC Helpline (02) 6213 7177

CRC Email crc.program@innovation.gov.au

CRC Association www.crca.asn.au

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