Challenge Previous investigation into the Coffs Harbour food innovation ecosystem (Project P1-005) revealed significant untapped potential for increasing value-addition and production output across the region. However, a key barrier to progress was the limited collaboration among stakeholders such as growers, producers, retailers, educational institutions, and policymakers. This fragmentation hindered the collective advancement needed to fully realise the region’s agrifood potential.
Solution To address this challenge, the project established a ‘Living Lab’ in Coffs Harbour as a catalyst for regional collaboration and innovation. The Coffs Agrifood Living Lab (CALL) will serve as a user-centred, open innovation ecosystem that supports co-creation, knowledge exchange, and the integration of research and practical solutions in real-life settings. Acting as both a physical and conceptual hub, CALL will lead the design of a broader agrifood precinct and will facilitate shared development of ideas, technologies, and practices that can evolve the regional ecosystem.
Impact The establishment of CALL has significantly enhanced stakeholder collaboration and has unlocked new opportunities for innovation in Coffs Harbour’s agrifood sector. By creating a central space for research, experimentation, and collective problem-solving, CALL has enabled more agile and inclusive development of solutions tailored to local needs. In the long term, this initiative will help position Coffs Harbour as a leading regional model for sustainable agrifood innovation and economic growth.
