Abstract:

Introduction:
Fostering innovation, co-creation and effective knowledge transfer in the agri-food sector is a complex issue due to the plurality of actors and the socio-cultural divergences between different geographical areas in Europe. Taking into consideration that the dialogue between the triple helix (government bodies, industries and universities) can help to cover this diversity, an interactive demand-driven innovation model has been developed to close the gap with research and innovation and acting at EU level. This innovation model is implemented in the framework of an international/EU Research project, and it is based on regional multi-actor innovation networks, to effectively bring the existing knowledge into practice.

Methods:
The objective of this multi-actor methodology is to propose suitable techniques for transferring research results and knowledge to the end-users (farmers, policy-makers, etc.) while addressing their needs for a demand-driven innovation approach. This generates an iterative process for the identification, co-creation and effective transfer of the existing scientific knowledge into real practice at EU level.
The methodology is based on the creation, or strengthening, of Regional innovation networks by defining strategies adapted to each innovation ecosystem. Each network is composed by a representative group of stakeholders (farmers, associations, government institutions, advisory services, researchers…) with interests and needs in agriculture development and innovation. The Regional groups are essential to ensure the development and uptake of knowledge (existing or under progress) in the sector. A Regional coordinator, or facilitator agent, is in charge of the activation and animation of each regional network, being critical to launch, develop activities and mobilizing it. The group of facilitator agents establishes an interregional ‘network of networks’, ensuring a regular information flow between the network members at regional and EU level, while maintaining the overall innovation strategy of the project.
A guideline for this methodology is envisaged, comprising the basis for the engagement and dialogue between different stakeholders. The multi-actor approach considers the regional networks and interregional relationship, along with other networking (project’s partners, external scientific/advisory board, and further external stakeholders).

Results and Discussion:
The methodology for the creation and coordination of regional networks has been implemented by FEUGA in agroforestry and viticulture sectors through different EU-funded projects, taking advantage of the H2020 EIP-AGRI Thematic Networks funding instrument : H2020 AFINET and WINETWORK projects , and the recently started H2020 SOILDIVERAGRO through their Communities of Practitioners. Therefore, this methodology for multi-actor engagement benefits the agri-food sector putting into practice new technologies, scientific research and innovations to identified problems and needs, to finally improve the management of natural resources and ensure sustainable supply chains.

Keywords:

Multi-actor, innovation, networking, knowledge.