The Multiplier Group within AgriSpin has given this question some thought. According to the group’s final report the answer is at least threefold. It takes the creation of an ecosystem of innovation, a strong public support and coordination system as well as the development of networks.

The Multiplier Group has finished its final recommendations. In the final report, the group offers its advice on which type of institutional framework will foster interactive innovation.

Ecosystem of Innovation

The Multiplier Group has identified the creation of a favorable “ecosystem of innovation” as a main priority for innovation support, in order to facilitate the emergence of innovative ideas and projects through the promotion of motivation, collaboration skills, and confidence among the actors of the system.

In order to put into place an ecosystem of innovation, there is a need to: mobilize actors, foster actors’ motivation (especially for researchers who have to be encouraged to work with practitioners), and finally to foster interaction as well as create trust.

As actors belonging to different sectors should be able to communicate with each other, there is, also, the need of specific expertise with the capability to foster this type of collaboration.

Strong Public Support and Coordination

Furthermore, the group has detected a need for improving the action of the public system in relation to innovation support in agriculture and rural development.

This entails improving the integration of the tools available for Member States, such as RDP measures, the Consulting and Training System, LEADER, Districts, etc. into at more defined strategic and adequately monitored framework. In the most significant cases, this characteristic is linked to the presence of a strong public support and coordination system.

Development of Networks

Finally, there is a need of a long-term approach, aimed at creating and supporting networks and clusters. These network activities are considered to be very important for the promotion of innovation and are often considered a necessary condition for stimulating the emergence of innovative ideas from the actors of the system.

The network activities should be linked to a given mandate, but renewable (3-5 years mandate). A key characteristic should be the openness and transparency in operation. Moreover, the Multiplier group stresses the importance of facilitation, which has to be independent and cross-cutting.

Maybe, this type of network could become AKIS working groups with changing people and topics with a focus on innovation. The long-term approach is essential for these networks, also in order to bring ideas from the bottom to the surface.

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Have a look at the final report from the Multiplier Group in AgriSpin.

Peruse all the reports from AgriSpin.