This issue of Spotlight covers the capacity of our R&D to deliver breakthroughs some of which are covered here. In particular, Plant X together with a new biological agent appears as emerging and innovative technologies. These may both add new life to extending important transgenic traits and underpin cotton's sustainable production. A new lower-cost crop rotation exploiting vetch and wheat in the rotation is described. It shows the potential for a new cotton production system that also saves water, reduces nitrogen and energy use - the three factors which are also at the center of a cotton production system more in tune with water and carbon challenged environment.An extensive feature on the industry's capacity building initiatives and successes.