Information Libray

The purpose of this section is to provide stakeholders with core documents and up-to-date information in the field of KT&I. Resources include policy-papers, studies, articles and case studies. In order to facilitate the identification of relevant documents, the information has been structured under the following key categories (please click on the link to see the relevant resources):

EIP and innovation policy documents: including core policy documents and strategic papers (EC communications, policy-summaries, etc.) related to the development of KT&I policies in the European context and more specifically to the European Innovation Partnership.

Sectoral innovation studies and reports: covering innovation issues within specific sectoral contexts (such as forestry, dairy sector, arable farming, etc.).

General innovation studies and reports: namely studies having a more general (i.e. relevant for several agricultural and rural development sectors) KT&I scope.

General innovation tools and methods: containing specific knowledge transfer and innovation tools and methods that can be used in the wider rural development and agricultural context.

Sector-specific innovation tools: containing specific knowledge transfer and innovation tools and methods that are specific to certain agricultural (or rural development) sectors.

Recent articles, testimonials and presentations: containing recent newsletters and news items, articles, testimonials and presentations with regard to KT&I in the wider agricultural and rural development context

Case studies and stories: This section contains information about various agricultural and rural development case studies, success stories and project examples implemented in the KT&I context.

EIP and other innovation policy documents

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and Council on the European Innovation Partnership ‘Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability’, COM(2012) 79 final, 29 Feb 2012 [PDF]
Abstract: This Communication presents the conception of the EIP for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability referred to in the Innovation Union. The EIP is aligned with the strategic orientations of Europe 2020 and ‘The CAP towards 2020’. Building on stakeholder consultation, it shall benefit from the lessons learned from the pilot EIP on 'Active and Healthy Aging'.
Initiative: European Innovation Partnership ‘Agricultural Productivity & Sustainability’
Key words: European Commission, European Innovation Partnership (EIP), CAP	Scope: Transnational/European

Progress of the EU’s integrated Maritime Policy, European Commission, DG for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, 2012 [PDF]
Abstract: Europe’s seas and oceans are a rich and often underestimated source of innovation, growth and employment. Since its creation in 2007, the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) has sought to enhance the sustainable development of the European maritime economy and to better protect the marine environment by facilitating the cooperation of all maritime players across sectors and borders. Five years later, the economic climate has changed radically. Investment in research must deliver on its potential for innovation in the maritime economy. In 2009, the Council and European Parliament welcomed the first Progress Report on the IMP and asked the Commission to present further developments in 2012. This second Report describes the progress of the EU’s IMP and maritime sectoral policies between 2010 and 2012. It highlights their contribution to the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy by taking stock of concrete achievements that help create growth, enhance resource efficiency and save public money.
Initiative: European Commission, DG for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
Key words: maritime area, sustainable development, resources of the sea, exploitation of the seas, conservation of resources, shipping policy	Scope: Transnational/European

Strategic Research Agenda, ICT-AGRI, Coordination of European Research within ICT and Robotics in Agriculture and related Environmental Issues, Lötscher M. (Ed.), 2012 [PDF]
Abstract: ICT and robotics are among the fastest growing technologies. They will shape the future of our economy, environment and society, pervade all spheres of life, and become even-more-indispensable components of our daily life. A strong focus must be placed on the inter-actions between science, engineering and practice in order to speed up development and knowledge transfer. This requires strong coordination and cooperation in various fields and at various levels of research and innovation: in science and engineering, among stakeholders in the agricultural knowledge and innovation system (AKIS), and in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Recommendations for the Strategic Reference Agenda (SRA) implementation cover three aspects: (i) Developing ideas from different areas of academic expertise to arrive at innovative solutions; (ii) Achieving maximum profit by combining stakeholder expertise; and (iii) Investing in compatible systems in order to utilize the full potential of the technology. The SRA is intended to serve as a reference for future planning of R&I at both European and national level.
Initiative: ICT-AGRI (ERA-NET)
Key words: ICT, robotics, innovation policy, AKIS, automation	Scope: Transnational/European

Agricultural GHG Emissions in the EU: an Exploratory Economic Assessment of Mitigation Policy Options, Institute for Prospective Technological Studies, Joint Research Centre, 2012 [PDF]
Abstract: The main objective of this report is to assess the GHG emission reduction potential of a selected number of policy options and to quantify related production and economic impacts for the agricultural sector in the EU. Therefore the possible future evolution of agricultural GHG emissions in the EU are assessed through the simulation of scenarios including expected macro- and micro-economic changes. The proposed mitigation policy scenarios are all exploratory, i.e. it is intended to explore what could happen if policies would be implemented that explicitly force farmers in the EU-27 to reach certain GHG emission reduction targets. It has to be stressed that all policy scenarios are rather theoretical and hypothetical and do not necessarily reflect mitigation policies that are already agreed on, or are under formal discussion.
Organisation: Institute for Prospective Technological Studies, JRC
Key words: green house gases, emissions, policy, mitigation, environment	Scope: Transnational/European

General innovation studies and reports

Agricultural Knowledge Systems in Transition: Towards a more effective and efficient support of Learning and Innovation Networks for Sustainable Agriculture, SOLINSA project, 2011 [PDF]
Abstract: Agricultural Knowledge System (AKS) is a term used to define a set of public and private organisations dedicated to research, education and extension, and their interaction with knowledge users (traditionally farmers). The changing political landscape in Europe after the fall of the Iron Curtain, the subsequent reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the decreasing economic importance of the agricultural sector in most European countries have led to a widely diversifying set of knowledge systems in Europe. This report investigates and compares the organisation and functioning of the Agricultural Knowledge Systems in eight European countries: England, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The report identifies eight of the most important trends that the agricultural sector and the AKS players must respond to in the future.
Initiative: SOLINSA project (FP7)
Key words: Agricultural Knowledge Systems, research, education, extension	Scope: Transnational/European

Innovation processes in agriculture and rural development: Results of a cross-national analysis of the situation in seven countries, research gaps and recommendations, IN-SIGHT, 2009 [PDF]
Abstract: This is the final report of the IN-SIGHT project ‘Strengthening Innovation Processes for Growth and Development’, funded through FP6. The project aimed at building a conceptual framework and knowledge base for a more effective European policy on innovation in agriculture and rural areas. The project addressed the question, what kind of knowledge and innovation infrastructure is required to support the future needs of rural economies, including the natural resource based sectors.
Initiative: IN-SIGHT
Key words: Innovation Systems, processes, growth, development	Scope: Transnational/European

Sectoral innovation studies & reports

Activating private forest owners to increase forest fuel supply, AFO project, 2012 [PDF]
Abstract: This publication is part of the project ‘Activating private forest owners to increase forest fuel supply’ (AFO). The AFO project was established to adopt and promote best practise models for activating private forest owners and establishing wood fuel supply clusters for bioenergy production. The project aimed to activate an important fraction of the 12 million Private Forest Owners (PFOs) in Europe to supply wood fuel, especially to small and medium-sized heating plants. This was expected to benefit both the economy of the forest owners and rural areas and to increase the use of renewable energy sources.
Initiative: AFO project
Key words: wood fuel, supply clusters, cooperation models	Scope: Transnational/European

General innovation tools

Cross-Cultural Analysis for Learning (CCAL), Handbook, Lars Larsson, March 2009 [PDF]
Abstract: Cross-Cultural Analysis for Learning (CCAL) is a method for structured and in-depth learning from local development practices. The Handbook is an outcome of collaboration by the European Network of Local Development Teams (ENLDT) – a knowledge-building and shared learning initiative involving key actors in local development in five participating countries (Ireland, The Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and Germany). It was produced by the Swedish team with the support of the National Rural Network and LEADER funding.
Source: Swedish Rural Network
Key words: rural development, local development, learning, cross-cultural aspects	Scope: Transnational/European

Pool of Tools and Methods: A compilation of tools and methods for knowledge brokerage, Foodlinks, 2011 [PDF]
Abstract: The overall framework to carry out Knowledge Brokerage Activities (KBAs) within the collaborative FOODLINKS project is set by the concept of Communities of Practice (CoP). Within this frame activities are carried out by using different methods and tools as instruments for the implementation of Knowledge Brokerage. This document represents the basis for an electronic pool, available in the FOODLINKS intranet. It serves as a source for choosing appropriate instruments to carry out KBAs within the thematic Communities of Practice.
Initiative: Foodlinks (FP7)
Key words: knowledge brokerage, tools, methods, Communities of Practice	Scope: Transnational/European

Sectoral innovation methods and tools

Recent articles, testimonials and presentations

The European Innovation Partnership ‘Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability’, Moving Innovation in Agriculture Ahead!, Presentation by Inge Van Oost, EUFRAS Workshop, 26 Feb 2013 [PPT]
Abstract: Presentation by Inge Van Oost (DG AGRI) on the European Innovation Partnership during a EUFRAS conference in Wroclaw, Poland on 26 February 2013. EUFRAS a European representative association of public and private rural and agricultural extension services.
Initiative: EUFRAS
Key words: EIP, agricultural productivity and sustainability	Scope: Transnational/European

Newsletter on the outcome of the Conference on the EIP Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability, DG AGRI, 2012 [PDF]
Abstract: This newsletter presents the outcome of the conference on the Euopean Innovation Partnership "Priorities and Delivery mechanisms", which was held in Brussels on 19 November 2012. True to the spirit of the new European Innovation Partnership, the aim of the conference was to tap into the collective knowledge of stakeholders and research communities on issues related to innovation in agriculture and forestry. The conference gave stakeholders the opportunity to voice their views on which direction agricultural innovation should take and to reflect on what is needed, where and how.
Initiative: Conference organised by DG AGRI on EIP
Key words: EIP, agricultural productivity and sustainability	Scope: Transnational/European

Case studies and stories

Interim Catalogue Biotechnologies Projects, DG Research, 2010 [PDF]
Abstract: This is collection of summaries of FP7-supported biotechnologies projects. With applications in a broad variety of industrial sectors, life sciences and biotechnologies are playing an increasingly significant role in fostering the competitiveness of the European Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy (KBBE). The aim of supporting biotechnology research is to boost technological innovation and bring new environmentally compatible products and processes based on renewable raw materials to the market. Biobased products have the potential of reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and offer new opportunities for rural development.
Initiative: European Commission, Research & Innovation, Bioeconomy
Key words: biomass and bioproducts, marine and fresh-water biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, biorefinery, environmental biotechnology	Scope: Transnational/European