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.
The Innovation Spiral
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.
Co-Creation, Coherence and Network
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.
Trainers Are in Focus
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.
Finally, have a look at this overview of all available tools in the Training Toolkit:
| Tool/Toolkit | Available Documents 1 | Comments |
| Documentation of the Pilot Training for leaders of operational groups in Futterkamp/Schleswig-Holstein on 26/27th June 2017 |
– 1 Agenda – 2 Photo documentation (extract) – 3 Summary of participants’ feedback – 4 Workbook of participants
|
1 In German
2 In German 3 In English 4 In German The authors of the methods provide extensive material in English, Dutch and French on https://www.linkconsult.nl/en/ |
| Draft of a Seminar Program (sample) |
– 5 Agenda/Program
|
In English; available in word-format on www.agrispin.eu |
| Draft of CECRA Module “Understand and Support Innovation in Agriculture”
by Thomas Fisel |
– 6 Draft of a Trainer’s guideline (Including objectives and contents)
Available in word-format on www.agrispin.eu |
In this guideline for trainers the methodological use of the following tools is described: -Network – Analysis
-Innovation phases and its characteristics (spiral of initiatives; timeline) -Roles in the innovation process (triangle of change or other role model) -Fostering positive climate and energy in innovation networks (circle of coherence; or team phase model) -Thinking outside the box and enabling creativity and (cross visit method and others) -(Seed) money and other relevant resources in innovation processes |
| Network – Analysis |
– 7 Handout Network-Analysis
|
Training tool to gain an overview over the actors who are involved in an initiative;
by Eelke Wielinga |
| Spiral of Initiatives |
– 8 Handout The Spiral of Initiatives
|
Training tool for the analysis of innovation processes;
by Eelke Wielinga https://www.linkconsult.nl/en/gereedschap/modellen |
| Triangle of Co-Creation |
– 9 Handout The Triangle of Co-Creation
|
This tool visualizes the different roles and positions regarding the initiative and the existing structures ; by Eelke Wielinga https://www.linkconsult.nl/en/gereedschap/modellen |
| Circle of coherence |
– 10 Handout The Circle of Coherence
|
Intervision tool. The physical systemic constellation of persons shows patterns of interaction in a network and allows to find options for intervention; by Eelke Wielinga https://www.linkconsult.nl/en/gereedschap/modellen |
| Evaluation form |
– 11 Evaluation form
|
Available in word-format on www.agrispin.eu
by David Postma and Eelke Wielinga |