Innovation in postharvest handling systems

Technological innovation in postharvest handling systems holds the key to g aining and retaining future competitive advantage for horticultural export- orientated businesses through adding value, enhancing market access or redu cing losses. Innovation arises from the creative tension that develops as t he gap between current reality and a desired potential future is identified . This paper explores some of the principles important in the innovation pr ocess and their application in the context of an integrated postharvest eng ineering and physiology programme aimed at reducing the occurrence of shriv el in fruit that is induced by water loss. Effective innovation relies upon existence of a strong innovation culture, based upon insightful competence, creativity and appropriately located, mot ivated and focused technological capacity. Strong conceptualization and cha racterization of the system under study enhances the likelihood of developi ng innovative solutions and management tools suited to industry application . These features, in turn, depend upon sound knowledge in the minds of a ta lented team. Identification of high-leverage opportunities is important for reliably achieving a good return on investment in research. High leverage occurs in the presence of strong driving force (e.g. potential to add value , cut costs, eliminate losses) relative to the level of investment required to develop and implement the innovation. Minimizing conceptual, cultural, physical and financial barriers to progress in both the internal and extern al environments avoids pitfalls to successful innovation. (C) 2000 Silsoe R esearch Institute.