Challenge

Hort Innovation was undertaking a comprehensive review of Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) across 20+ horticulture industry sectors, each requiring rigorous economic impact modelling to support investment decision-making. The challenge was to develop consistent methodology and templates across diverse sectors with varying research budgets and complexity—from small emerging industries to major commodity groups—while meeting strict public release deadlines across four scheduled tranches.

Approach

CIS developed and applied economic impact modelling frameworks across all SIP sectors. Our role included:

• Development of impact modelling templates to ensure consistency across Tier 2 industry sectors and alignment with broader cross-horticulture evaluation standards

• Comprehensive reviews of SIP priority areas through desk-based research and stakeholder consultation with sector fund managers

• Benefit-cost analysis incorporating assumptions on expected benefits, adoption rates, research capability, and probability of implementation success

• Economic impact modelling based on methodologies used by AusIndustry for CRC investment prioritisation

Outcome

CIS successfully completed economic impact assessments for 30 horticulture industry sectors across four tranches, meeting all public release deadlines. The assessment provided each sector with evidence-based impact projections to guide strategic investment priorities and equipped Hort Innovation with comprehensive economic modelling methodologies and templates for ongoing SIP reviews and cross-sector investment evaluation.