Connecting advisers to boost interactive innovation in agriculture and forestry

Agriculture and forestry – the basis for food, feed and countless other products to meet consumer and industrial demands – are integral parts of the European economy and society. Innovation and collaboration between various actors are key. The EU-funded i2connect will build on the existing advisor networks – a resource of over 40 000 advisors and critical actors – to form a broader network. Its aim is to promote a new culture of bottom-up innovation support. The project will create an inventory of advisory practices in Europe. The best practices will be reviewed and studied as part of a training programme. Overall, the project will connect 32 organisations and support them through a moderated online platform for mutual coaching and sharing experiences.