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The AKIS perspective emphasizes the knowledge flows and diffusion based on exchange within heterogeneous and multi-stakeholder contexts, networks or platforms. This can lead to increasing access to knowledge, learning by interacting and by using it until innovation development. Besides, it is recognized that multistakeholder networks are fundamental levers of spreading and scaling of innovations processes along the agricultural sector and rural areas as they are likely to influence individual behaviours and practices towards social and technological change.
On this regard, multi stakeholder networks that effectively pursued knowledge exchange and spread of innovations have shown some common successful factors. First, the bigger it is the size of the network, in terms of both numerosity and typologies of AKIS actors, the better is the outreach of its influence and effects on system change and transformation. This derives mostly from the potential of boosting a wider interconnectivity, by enabling the environment to start new and/or to consolidate interactions, and likely by including hard-to-reach people.
Second factor of success is the multitude of knowledge and innovations to share that networks can effectively help to emerge through empowering actors to deploy and recombine the different types of tacit and codified knowledge. So, that this should enable AKIS actors accessing, exchange and develop knowledge and practices to build upon leading to innovations.
Thirdly there’s the regularity and continuity over time of stakeholders’ inclusion in participatory engagement activities. These can lead maturing a wider sense of belonging to the system and trust among each other, that is fundamental to reinforce the potential of the network to enable the environment for knowledge exchange and to foster influence and emulation of experiences among stakeholders.Consequently, continuity in funding schemes for networking activities is necessary.
All in all, the more the actors within the AKIS are well-interconnected and interact, the more effectively the knowledge is disseminated. In fact, innovation and change can be realised, as in any systemic approach, by networking processes which resources are mobilised and knowledge flows from different sources are channelled and used (Cristiano et al, 2023; D1.1; Annex 2).
To this effect, networking organization and action has become to all intents and purposes a matter of institutional functioning and embedding.
Box 1 – Brief overview on European and National Rural Networks under CAP policy
Building on the experience of LEADER networks (2000-2006), under the EU regulatory framework, National rural networks (NRNs) group administrations and organisations involved in rural development (art. 68 Reg. CE 1698/2005; art. 54 Reg. CE 1303/2013) and have been introduced since EU rural development policy 2007-2013 with the aim to support policies for the development of agricultural areas in a way that fosters exchanges of experience and knowledge between practitioners, institutions and all those who live and work in rural areas. In particular, in the programming period 2014-2022, networking by the National Rural Networks aimed to: (a) increase the involvement of stakeholders in the implementation of rural development; (b) improve the quality of implementation of rural development programmes; (c) inform the broader public and potential beneficiaries on rural development policy and funding opportunities; (d) foster innovation in agriculture, food production, forestry and rural areas. Besides, the European Network for Rural Development (ENRD) has been put in place (art. 67 Reg. CE 1698/2005; art. 52 Reg. CE 1303/2013) for the networking of national networks, organisations and administrations active in the field of rural development. Still at EU level, together with the ENRD, two additional networks/networking units were established: i) the European Evaluation Helpdesk having the purpose to ensure the effectiveness of CAP evaluations by specifically assisting managing authorities, national CAP networks, paying agencies, evaluators and the European Commission. It also analyses the implementation of CAP interventions by EU Member States and disseminates useful monitoring and evaluation practices among the EU CAP Network; ii) the EIP-Agri Support Facility for Innovation and Knowledge exchange (yet EIP-Agri network) which role is to facilitate cooperation between those with a keen interest in sharing knowledge and innovative ideas for sustainable agriculture, forestry and rural areas.
The action plan of the NRN should have included at least the following activities (art. 54 Reg. CE 1303/2013): (i) the collection of examples of projects covering all priorities of the rural development programmes; (ii) the facilitation of thematic and analytical exchanges between rural development stakeholders, sharing and dissemination of findings; (iii) the provision of training and networking for local action groups and in particular technical assistance for inter- territorial and transnational co-operation, facilitation of co-operation among local action groups and the search of partners for the measure referred to “Co-operation”; (iv) the provision of networking for advisors and innovation support services; (v) the sharing and dissemination of monitoring and evaluation findings; (vi) a communication plan including publicity and information concerning the rural development programme in agreement with the Managing Authorities and information and communication activities aimed at a broader public; (vii) the participation in and contribution to the European network for rural development.
In fact, for the CAP programming period 2023-2027, networks as recognized by regulation (art. 126 UE Reg 2115/2021) as key tools to drive and steer policy and to promote stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing and capacity building for Member States and other actors. On this regard, each Member State is called to establish a CAP network at national level (National networks directory) for the networking of organisations and administrations, advisors, researchers and other innovation actors in the field of agriculture and rural development.
Box 2 – European CAP Network 2023-2027
A fundamental point of reference for CAP networks is the European CAP Network (yet ERDN - European Rural Development Network) which since the 2007-2013 programming period has performed functions of guidance, sharing of experiences and knowledge among Member States, analyses, tools, and capacity building activities.
The Network is a forum through which National CAP Networks, organisations, administrations, researchers, entrepreneurs and practitioners can share knowledge and information (e.g. via peer-to-peer learning and good practices) about agriculture and rural policy (CAP Network website). The EU CAP Network has been set up by the European Commission in line with the European Regulation to support the achievement and implementation of specific objectives of the new EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), while optimising the flow of information about agriculture and rural policy within the EU (CAP Network website). The current CAP network 2023-2027 includes the previous European Network for Rural Development, the Evaluation Helpdesk and EIP-AGRI network by which it supports design and implementation of CAP strategic plans, innovation and knowledge exchange, including EIP- AGRI, and evaluation and monitoring of the CAP.
Networking through the national CAP networks shall have the following objectives: (a) increase the involvement of all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of CAP Strategic Plans and, where relevant, in their design; (b) accompany the Member States’ administrations in the implementation of CAP Strategic Plans and the transition to a performance-based delivery model; (c) contribute to improving the quality of implementation of CAP Strategic Plans; (d) contribute to the information of the public and potential beneficiaries on the CAP and funding opportunities; (e) foster innovation in agriculture and rural development and support peer-to-peer learning and the inclusion of, and the interaction between, all stakeholders in the knowledge-exchange and knowledge- building process; (f) contribute to monitoring and evaluation capacity and activities; (g) contribute to the dissemination of of CAP Strategic Plans results. The functions of the CAP National Networks in achieving the above- mentioned objectives encompass:
With respect to support the AKIS strengthening, CAP networks, through their National Supports Units (NSUs) for innovation networking, can help to smooth innovation and knowledge exchange concerning all 9 CAP objectives by bringing together all the resources they can access through the OGs, Horizon 2020 multi-actor projects, the EIP website and new knowledge reservoirs. Linking all these sources of information provides a wealth of material for local AKIS actors.
In this view, the NSUs have the task of supporting both (a) the strengthening of national agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (AKIS) and (b) the development of links with research and innovation policy under Horizon Europe and other national instruments. This role is feasible because Rural Networks already worked in synergy with a variety of actors (farming organisations, LAGs and their associations, rural NGOs, educational and research institutions, business clusters, etc.), linking them to the practical implementation of rural development policies and promoting information exchange between the EU, national and local levels, thus facilitating the development of existing potential and strengthens capacity building.
Interestingly, from a consultation of the former NRNs 2014-2020 that was conducted by European CAP network during July-September 2022 it came out that all the CAP Networks 2023-2027 aim to involve AKIS stakeholders in view to address the need to support innovation in agriculture and rural areas. In fact, in 27 out of 28 cases the Exchange knowledge and networking with AKIS stakeholders is a priority of the CAP networks, while the Support innovation in agriculture via EIP-AGRI Operational Groups is set 19 of the cases (Network mapping surveys, 2023).
Box: 3 - CAP networks & innovation
During the meeting of 23rd NRN meeting held on 20 and 21 September 2022, some ideas on CAP networks’ role in strengthening innovation support emerged from the discussion among the 66 participants, as it follows.
The National Supports Units - of the national CAP Networks (hereby NSUs) - can help by providing “innovation networking”, by bringing people together in groups, for instance by organising opportunities such as targeted events (online/in-person), study groups and workshops, which help interaction. These activities provide occasions for farmers to engage effectively with a diverse range of organisations within the AKIS, including with their peers, advisors, researchers, and others who may help generate ideas for EIP Operational group projects, thanks to the cross-fertilisation among the participants. Other opportunities lie in the provision of opportunities for farm businesses to tell their stories, the “innovation ambassadors”, and to open their farms to others, including to their peers. Competitions can provide opportunities to socialise and celebrate the achievements of farm businesses and others in the innovation space. All this is very useful to create an innovation-attentive environment and supports the AKIS innovation ecosystem. Furthermore, the development and promotion of a digital Platform (innovation ideas hub) on the CAP NSU webpage for capturing ideas could be envisaged. A platform may take many forms, e.g. a portal where ideas can be submitted and displayed, and/or a vehicle to connect and share ideas between parties. The generation of innovative ideas may not come naturally to individuals: an experienced and supportive listener is often essential. The development of innovative ideas therefore often relies on advisers or innovation brokers, who analyse and help define the idea after capturing it. There may be significant opportunities for NSUs to work closely with such partners to further enhance opportunities around innovation support & networking.
Highlights Report of the 23rd NRN meeting
Synthesis of session on CAP networks & innovation – Lessons from the 23rd NRN Meeting
Eventually, it is worth to consider that specific independent evaluations of CAP networks can be put in place by the managing authorities of the CAP strategic plans in view to support, preferably on on-going basis, timely melioration of the specific functions of promoting knowledge exchange, of enabling and spreading innovations, and of supporting the increase of system capacities of AKIS actors. On this regard, some evaluations of CAP networks implemented already in previous CAP programming periods can be inspirational to draw lessons on how to better configure their role, organization and functions and on how to adequately plan utilization focused evaluations (Evaluation Helpdesk).
The practices presented in "Compendium" provide an overview on some functions that CAP networks can play in MSs, that beyond the EU regulatory requirements, shed the light on basilar and operational activities like stakeholder mapping, needs assessment and systematic realization of networking meetings.
Among the others:
Clear identification, mapping and profiling of target groups of the CAP networks and their actual interactions is fundamental to assess needs and expectations, understanding behavioral and cultural features and the state of play of AKIS interconnectivity. This in view to better tailor networking activities.
Organising (thematic) knowledge events that include all AKIS actors (research, farmers and advisors in the knowledge exchange and knowledge building process: peer-to-peer events, on-farm demonstrations, website, e-learning, ISS etc.).
Innovation brokerage events and digital tools for speed search of potential partners of innovation processes.
Organisation of events and platforms where all AKIS actors can meet regularly to discuss problems and opportunities ("before" project life).
Systematising of project results in order to exploit them through training and communication initiatives and to establish connections with other GO/MA projects ("after" the life of the project).
Creating knowledge centres, platforms and digital knowledge reservoirs.
Connect existing knowledge and innovation networks, within the country and across
borders.
Organising study trips for GOs to other Member States, supporting new thematic networks, disseminating research and innovation results and strengthening GO actions in all EU Member States.
In this perspective, we could raise a few questions (not exhaustive) to help us reflecting and co-building new solutions on:
The overview on roles and functions of networks and the observation of the practices of CAP networks brings some reflections on the needs for capacity building and networking activities that can be certainly considered in modernAKIS:
