A needs gap analysis is underway, led by the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration (WAARC) to inform future human capacity requirements for agricultural research and development (R&D) in Western Australia.
The analysis will focus on identifying critical skill gaps, succession risks and strategic capacity-building opportunities for WA over the next five to 15 years.
The work supports WAARC’s investment planning, such as guiding the selection of future applicants and research topics for its Postgraduate Research Scholarship Program.
Findings will be shared with WAARC member organisations, partners and agricultural R&D stakeholders to support future planning around human capacity.
WAARC Capacity Building and Extension Program Lead Jenny Crisp said a forward-looking assessment was needed to guide workforce development strategies in alignment with WA’s emerging agricultural challenges and opportunities.
“Our State’s agricultural research workforce is under pressure,” Ms Crisp said.
“Several factors are contributing to this pressure such as the retirement of senior specialists, fewer domestic graduates choosing research careers, and demands for expertise in emerging areas like digital agriculture and climate resilience.”
Ms Crisp said the study would investigate whether there are enough researchers across key discipline areas of agricultural research in WA, both now and in the future.
“It will also explore emerging global and domestic trends likely to shape sector priorities, as well as identify major gaps in workforce skills, knowledge and experience.”
A reference group with expertise in agricultural R&D capacity building will oversee the analysis, providing advice and decision-making.
The study will include a literature review, an online survey seeking perspectives from a wide range of agricultural R&D stakeholders across WA, and several interviews to further explore key questions arising from the survey results.
Throughout the process, WAARC will engage with government, research agencies, grower networks, industry, universities, Indigenous groups, and workforce and diversity advocates.
“WAARC is actively building capacity in Western Australia’s agricultural research sector by supporting and inspiring 32 researchers through our Postgraduate Research Scholarship Program,” Ms Crisp said.
“This needs gap analysis reaffirms the Collaboration’s commitment to building human capacity by identifying workforce and skills gaps to advance innovation, leadership and resilience across WA’s agricultural sector.”
The report is expected to be finalised by the end of November and will be shared via WAARC communication channels.
WAARC is backed by $25 million in State Government funding to boost Western Australia’s research capacity and industry sustainability.