On 11-12 June 2025, the high-level conference organised by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in cooperation with the European Commission, the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) and BIOEAST Initiative entitled ‘Research, innovation and digitalisation to advance the competitiveness of European agriculture and ensure food security’ was held in Warsaw.
This event brought together over 200 participants and more than 50 panellists from all over the Europe, including ministers, parliamentarians, representatives of the European Commission, representatives and experts from Member States, representatives of the SCAR and the BIOEAST Initiative, policymakers, researchers, agricultural advisors, representatives of international institutions, initiatives and projects, as well as the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU), representatives of academia, agricultural institutions, non-governmental organisations, other representatives of institutions related to the subject of the conference.
On 10 June 2025 the Plenary Meeting of the SCAR as well the BIOEAST Initiative meeting took place the day before the high-level conference, discussing - among others - the draft needs and gaps analysis as a follow-up to the Council conclusions approved at the Competitiveness Council on 29 November 2024 on “A potential Europe-wide R&I initiative on advancing sustainable natural resource management, food systems security and the deployment of the bioeconomy harnessing the potential of Central and Eastern Europe”.
The conference provided a platform for high-level discussion on the challenges for science and policy in the context of the European Commission's Vision for Agriculture and Food, as well as the forthcoming Life Sciences and the new Bioeconomy Strategy. The aim of the conference was to discuss and exchange views on the role of research and innovation in strengthening the green and digital transformation of the agri-food sector, as well as the development of the bioeconomy in the BIOEAST region, Central and Eastern European countries and the EU as a whole. The event also aimed to foster cooperation between Central and Eastern European countries, promote a coherent European Research Area and strengthen cooperation between the scientific community, practitioners and policymakers. The event created space for presenting scientific achievements, as well as exchanging of practical ideas and innovative solutions in the agri-food sector.
Research, innovation and digitalisation are key enablers to enhance sustainable competitiveness, chart pathways towards sustainability and ensure long-term food security. They are crucial in developing new technologies and innovative solutions and are the main response to structural, climate and geopolitical challenges. This approach requires good cooperation between practice, science and public administration. International and macro-regional cooperation can significantly accelerate progress and bring significant added value.
