Connecting advisers to boost interactive innovation in agriculture and forestry (I2CONNECT)

The European "i2connect" project is concerned with farm and forestry advisors that support interactive innovation processes. How can their competencies be strengthened in order to respond more effectively to the different challenges in European agriculture and forestry? The central feature of a so-called "interactive innovation process" is that actors with complementary knowledge (practical, entrepreneurial, scientific, etc.) work together to develop solutions to specific challenges, which are then translated into practice and disseminated to a wider audience.

The researchers from i2connect first search for several best practices in terms of interactive innovations. At least 40 training sessions are planned and additional learning and networking moments between advisors (peer-to-peer), in order to develop a social support network for advisors facilitating interactive innovation processes. The project also aims to contribute to the creation of a supportive environment within advisory services, by better connecting and embedding advisory services and by providing advise on suitable public policies.

We expect that i2connect will build a balanced and comprehensive European advisory network, increase the impact of advisors in strengthening knowledge sharing between scientific research and the sector, and that eventually effects will be seen in terms of more productive and sustainable agricultural practices and rural development. Finally, the project will also provide improved training opportunities by developing materials and specific training systems for advisors to help preserve practical knowledge in the long term.