This year’s Innovation series events will be tackling how innovation and sustainability are shaping the future of farming.
Agriculture in New Zealand is adapting to global and market changes through technological adoption, including precision agriculture and automation, and dealing with market access and trade dynamics. Land use change and shifts in economic pressures, including renewable energy projects and alternative land uses, are also hot topics to consider under this same theme.
In an ever-evolving global market, how can New Zealand farmers adopt technology to enhance productivity and stay competitive? This event will explore the role of precision agriculture, automation, and digital farming tools in shaping the future of farming. We will also discuss land use changes, including the shift to renewable energy projects and forestry. Join experts as they share insights on the latest technological advancements and economic trends impacting the agricultural sector.
This special Innovation Series event is brought to you in partnership with The Lincoln University Centre for Geospatial + Computing Technologies.
The Lincoln University Centre for Geospatial + Computing Technologies is a multidisciplinary hub that harnesses spatial science, data analytics, and advanced computing to address complex environmental and agricultural challenges. By integrating geospatial technologies with real-world applications, the Centre supports innovative research and practical solutions for sustainable land use, resource management, and rural development.
Thursday 31st July
9.00am - 1.30pm
Memorial Hall, Lincoln University
We hope you can join us!
Programme
9.00am: Welcome & Introductions
Introductions from Assoc. Prof. Stuart Charters, Lincoln University’s Centre for Geospatial + Computing Technologies
Opening remarks to set the stage for a day of insightful discussions on how innovation and adaptation are creating new opportunities for resilience in the agricultural sector.
Session 1: Technology on the Land – Precision, Automation & Profitability
9.15am – 10.20am
Exploring the practical applications of emerging technologies such as robotics, IoT sensors, and decision-support software, this session focuses on tools that drive smarter farming and greater economic resilience.
9.15am Keynote Speaker 1
9.35am Keynote Speaker 2
9.55am Keynote Speaker 3
10.15am: Session Summary & Q&A – Assoc. Prof. Stuart Charters
10.20am: Break
Session 2: Economic Adaptation – Land Use Change and Alternative Revenue Streams
10.35am – 11.40am
How are changing land use patterns and market conditions driving innovation? This session investigates opportunities in renewable energy, carbon farming, and diversification.
10.35am Keynote Speaker 1
10.55am Keynote Speaker 2
11.15am Keynote Speaker 3
11.35am: Session Summary & Q&A – Assoc. Prof. Stuart Charters
11.40am: Break
Session 3: Enabling Innovation – People, Policy, and Digital Infrastructure
11.50am – 12.55pm
This session will examine how policy, connectivity, and human capital are shaping the tech-enabled farm of the future, and what’s needed to support widespread adoption.
11.50am Keynote Speaker 1
12.10pm Keynote Speaker 2
12.30pm Keynote Speaker 3
12.50pm: Session Summary & Q&A – Assoc. Prof. Stuart Charters
Closing Remarks & Networking
12.55pm: Summary by Assoc. Prof. Stuart Charters
1.05pm: Lunch and Networking
1.30pm: Event Concludes
Our Speakers
My research focus is on the intersection of technology, agriculture and ecology which we term, computational agroecology and also on the human aspects of computing, including Software Engineering, Visualisation and eResearch. I investigate how humans engage and interact with this technology. My research includes both the design and deployment of technology for deployment in the environment and on farm; presentation of data and information for consumption (mobile web and interactive visualisation, evidence based software engineering) and the processes around human engagement (eResearch and Evidence Based Software Engineering). The ability for people to effectively engage with technology and interpret data is essential for technology adoption and effective data based decision-making. My work in Evidence based Software Engineering improves the quality of research reporting, and provides methods and tools to allow research evidence to be assessed to understand the impact on practice or policy. I work collaboratively with colleagues in New Zealand, Australia and the UK. I was previously seconded to be the Director, SIGNAL ICT Graduate School, which focused on growing and developing tech professionals for New Zealand.
Watch this space as we confirm more speakers for this event
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