Impact from investment into research refers to the change that occurs as a result of that research. Impact is often talked about as if it is obvious and immediate − but in reality, the road from idea to industry return is usually long and winding. Research is a progression from asking the right questions to delivering measurable value back to industry.
A new framework from Forest Growers Research maps research impact across four stages of the research journey.
Laying the groundwork: foundational work that identifies and quantifies a gap and builds the basis to address it. The value lies in answering a legitimate, fundamental question − not in
immediate commercial returns.
Proof of concept: early-stage research that has shown progress, but where outcomes are not yet realised. The test at this stage is whether an approach is viable. An honest “no” can be as valuable as a “yes”, because it stops levy money being spent on ideas unlikely to succeed.
Gaining traction: research that has moved into early adoption and beta testing − proven well enough for growers to begin trialling in their own operations.
Delivering returns: research that has been completed and widely taken up, with tangible returns flowing back to levy payers.
Why break this into stages? Because not all research is trying to achieve the same thing at the same time. The framework also makes clear that research alone does not deliver value: industry uptake does. Where industry engages actively and champions back the work, findings are more likely to translate into real-world value. Where engagement is weak, even excellent science can stall. Much of the value flowing back to the sector today reflects investment made years ago, underlining the case for steady support across every stage of the journey.
The framework is now anchoring the development of a suite of evidence-based impact stories. The red needle cast impact story illustrates the “gaining traction” stage particularly clearly, with foresters now equipped with an RNC manual, a Digital Infection Risk Tool on the FGR website, and the first hard numbers on disease impact. Additional impact stories will be published on the FGR website over the coming months.
Click here to use the Red Needle Cast Regional Risk Forecasting Tool
