Advisors must understand the innovation process to be able to stimulate it properly. In other words, they need to know the different stages of the innovation process as well as relevant non-technical success factors. Therefore, their training is key.

Advisors as well as other professionals, such as leaders of operational groups in EIP (the European Innovation Partnership) who support innovators and innovations, usually have a technical background and technical skills. This is important in order to get acceptance and good contact and to give the proper technical support. But they also need to be aware of non-technical issues, such as the relationship between key persons, creativity and energy in the team, network – contacts, planning skills, space and resources for trial and error, communication skills etc., proved to be crucial.

AgriSpin Has Developed Tools

To this end, a number of helpful concepts and tools have been developed and tested during the AgriSpin project. Many innovators and advisors or supporters have given very positive feedback on the tools, and the insights stemming from them, during the Cross Visits.

The Training Toolkit

One of the tools of the Training Toolkit, the Innovation Spiral, has for example become pivotal in the latest version of the Cross Visit manual. The Cross Visit format itself for example, where practical innovation cases are reflected upon and feedback from outside is provided for the actors involved in an innovation project, has been experienced as useful. It has been used in the regional seminars of AgriSpin (in Denmark, The Netherlands, Ireland, Tuscany) as well as at the End Conference of AgriSpin in Crete, Greece, and has been translated into eight languages.

Take a look at the AgriSpin manual.

Also, the following tools: the Triangle of Co-Creation, Timeline and Circle of Coherence have been used for Network and Innovation Case analysis during the Cross Visits. The network analysis tool Circle of Coherence from the Training Toolkit has for instance been very well received in a practical demonstration as it showed how solutions for difficult situations in innovation networks can be visualised in intervision sessions for innovation support agents.

The Training Toolkit addresses trainers first and foremost. It consists firstly of the documentation of the AgriSpin-CECRA pilot training in Futterkamp. This documentation serves as a practical example for an Innovation Method Training and gives good insight into and orientation on which elements belong to this type of training (regardless of the language). These documents are mainly in German.

Secondly, the sample provided of a (virtual) programme and the trainer guidelines have been developed based on the Futterkamp experience with the intention to develop a new CECRA Training Module. Nevertheless, its use is not limited to the realisation within the IALB and EUFRAS CECRA framework. The toolkit is completed by a selection of central handouts from Eelke Wielinga’s training tools and an evaluation form.

Take a look at the Training Toolkit.

Also, have a look at the agenda of a sample training on innovation support methods, the Trainer’s Guidelines and an Evaluation Form. They are provided in Word for easy re-use and adaptation for future Innovation Support Method Trainings. Links to further information regarding the individual tools are provided as the training tools are well described on the homepage of LINK Consult.

Go to the Training Toolkit of AgriSpin.


Non-Technical Issues Also Matter

As AgriSpin has established, non-technical issues, such as the relationship between key persons, creativity and energy in the team, network – contacts, planning skills, space and resources for trial and error, communication skills etc., often matter more during the innovation process than the technical issues.

Advisors and professionals in innovation support systems should therefore also have an understanding of the non-technical success factors. They should know and be able to apply relevant concepts and tools in order to reflect on the innovation process with actors and relevant stakeholders so as to take appropriate measures.

However, according to the experience of the German AgriSpin-Consortium, most of the advisors and professionals have no clear idea, which role they should take in the innovation process. Therefore, there is a need to create awareness amongst advisors and advisory organisations regarding the importance of innovations and their own role in the innovation support system.

Read more about the lessons learned in the AgriSpin project in the report “Recommendations After the Cross Visits”.