Cooperative Research Centres
Transition Planning for CRCs
Mr Anthony Murfett
CRC Branch / Research Division
17 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
Where is the CRC now
 no single ‘best approach’
CREATIVE TENSION
The future
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 postCRC 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?
CRC’s current
activities/research
««« Post CRC Program Funding »»»
What will continue?
Why?
What won’t continue?
Why?
Determine Strategy & Options for each
technology/activity/research topic
Any new activities/research?
Why & why not?
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 Centre
What does the Centre do and what is its intended
legacy?
Commercial potential
Limitations and risks
Competitors
Likely Business Model
Market Conditions
SWOT Analysis
IP protection – what, how?
Resources and funding required
Strategy for deployment, including who, how and why
The Future
Overall goals for the Centre?
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?
The Resources
What is required and where will it come from?
What staff, facilities and resources will be needed?
What is the planned timeframe?
How much money is required up-front?
Where will it come from?
Is a specific rate of return for supporters required?
How will this be realised?
Are supporters and stakeholders engaged and committed?
What proportion will be sought from other sources?
If not ongoing – provide a brief strategy for how outcomes will
be supported into the future
The CRC Program - Building an enduring legacy
Further Information
 CRC Websitewww.crc.gov.au
 CRC Helpline(02) 6213 7177
 CRC Email
crc.program@innovation.gov.au
 CRC Association
www.crca.asn.au
DEPARTMENT OF
INNOVATION, INDUSTRY,
SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
Industry House
10 Binara Street
Canberra City, ACT 2601, Australia
Telephone +61 2 6213 6000