At Oregon State University, our model for engagement facilitates a rapid response to these needs. Specifically, our strategic partnerships across the state (as well as within our institutions) opens doors to communities that serve as the laboratories and incubators for innovation. Cooperative Extension is not the first, nor the last, organization to identify a need for innovation under challenging circumstances. Consider the Walt Disney Company. While Disney is a relatively young organization by comparison (having not yet hit the century mark), it has seen inflection points of its own. In the early 1990s, despite diversifying its media operation, Disney still sought to connect with new audiences through innovation in its core business of animation. The answer? First partnering with, then acquiring, Pixar Animation Studios. The acquisition of Pixar provided Disney a fresh catalog of cutting-edge animation classics and, more importantly, an innovative approach that transformed its entire animation operation. Is there a lesson for the Cooperative Extension System here? We think so. Exemplary efforts both within our organizations and across nationwide Cooperative Extension point the way toward successful and rapid innovation. At Oregon State, we have infused the nimble, market-responsive systems, infrastructure, and professional practice of the Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) department to Cooperative Extension operations. Being nimble and responsive allows us to respond quickly to education and training needs that do not require a degree program solution. Further, our regional structure and statewide presence can serve as a point of intake for new projects and programs offered through a digital ecosystem that includes the following four areas:
learner engagement, enrollment, and digital ecosystem management project management and evaluation learning design and multimedia marketing, communication and customer relationship management practice.
Our university-wide system allows us to foster joint relationships with all colleges, divisions, and units across the campus and state.
To illustrate this concept, here is a step-by-step process.
Figure 2: Pathway and Workflow
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