Strategic experimentation and innovation in rural Australia

This article is a case study of a small‐scale family enterprise which successfully introduced a new crop, adopted new farming methods, formed a research, development and marketing alliance with a major international company, and fostered R&D alliance with several government organisations. The study was completed through reviewing government, consultant and industry reports, and in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews of key informants in industry and government. The findings showcase the importance of entrepreneurship (ingenuity to seize opportunities, effectively use personal contact networks, take risks, experiment through trial and error learning, adapt and, notwithstanding immense barriers, to continue with the venture) and a supportive national culture in fostering innovation and business development.