Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS)

Focus

In the working group for agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (AKIS), national and regional strategies and concepts are developed to strengthen cooperation between agricultural research, education, extension and practice. A particular focus is on the further development of networks of agricultural advisory systems.

Activities

The working group plays a central role in the APD. The start of this cooperation dates back to exposure visits to AKIS institutions and structures in Germany in November 2021, which laid the foundation for an open and multilateral innovation network. Since then, intensive work has been carried out on national and regional AKIS plans and initiatives. The working group brings together representatives from ministries of agriculture and education, advisory organizations, associations and universities.

At the regular meetings, the progress of the work plan is presented, discussed and further steps are planned. The continuous exchange between the participants and the expert contributions to the various implementation processes provide valuable support on the way to an effective AKIS. 

Results

National roadmaps were drawn up with great commitment, corresponding AKIS action plans were formulated and weaknesses in innovation transfer were analyzed. An AKIS knowledge repository is currently being developed and will be available on the SWG website. This database will facilitate the exchange of information between states and regions and promote cooperation.

In 2023, the third meeting of the sixth mandate of SCAR AKIS took place in Lithuania, hosted by the Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture. The APD's work on agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (AKIS) in the Western Balkans was presented there. Possibilities for intensifying cooperation with SCAR AKIS were also discussed.

The focus was on the following topics: 

• Implementation of the CAP-AKIS plan
• AKIS in EU enlargement countries and beyond
• AKIS as a response to challenges
• AKIS for rural innovation
• AKIS for co-innovation

Particularly innovative approaches within the working group from North Macedonia and Serbia

• Scientists from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Food at the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia, are planning a training program for advisors to strengthen the skills of AKIS stakeholders. They will be supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management. The content of the training program, especially on advisory methodological skills, has been provided by the State Management Academy for Food, Agriculture and Forestry in Landshut, Germany. The scientists have participated in a CECRA seminar and have a positive attitude towards bottom-up approaches to knowledge transfer.
• An interactive AKIS platform in the form of a website has been created in North Macedonia with EU funding. As soon as the website is launched, you will find the corresponding link here.
• Scientists in Serbia are pursuing the idea of establishing various demonstration farms and businesses as lighthouse projects.