Conference “Boosting agrifood research and innovation cooperation for impact at scale”

Agrifood systems need to become more sustainable, healthy, productive, inclusive, climate resilient to be able to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. This requires profound changes through the contribution of research and innovation (R&I). The EU Research and Innovation cooperation agenda is implemented within the framework of various dialogue fora with partner countries. It is also part of the Global Gateway including a pillar on “education and research”. It mobilizes different EU instruments and programs such as the DeSIRA initiative or the Horizon Europe programme. This conference is organized by DG INTPA in collaboration with other EU Directorate Generals.
It specifically addresses the question of how cooperation in R&I can contribute to desirable agrifood systems transformation, discussing principles, partnerships, methods for innovation at scale, capacities, funding, and policies. The conference is built on the collective achievements and consolidated lessons of the DeSIRA initiative and takes stock of other R&I programmes implemented or supported by EU.

The main conference objectives are to:

• Share results and lessons on the contribution of R&I projects to food systems transformation in LMICs through the experiences of UE interventions and similar other international interventions;
• Identify key enablers and hurdles for innovation at scale for productive, inclusive, and sustainable investments into agrifood systems;
• Explore future contributions of R&I for agrifood systems transformation, innovation system strengthening and innovation policies in support of development agendas (SDGs, post Malabo, Science Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa, EU Global Gateway strategy);
• Inform policy makers and provide recommendations on improved complementarity and synergy of EU mechanisms and approaches to support R&I at scale in partner countries, including inputs to the EU-Africa R&I Partnership on FNSSA.

Kindly note that there are no more seats available for in-person participation. However, you can participate online using the links below :

Participate in the first day of the conference.

The first day of the conference will present the various EU R&I programmes and focus on the results and lessons of EU interventions (e.g. DeSIRA, Horizon Europe) to support innovation. In addition, the conference will also present the main lessons from the DeSIRA regional workshops and discuss specific topics: how to do research in partnership for innovation? How R&I can support the transition of food systems based on agroecology and other innovative approaches.

Participate in the second day of the conference.

The second day of the conference will broaden the reflection and discussion by focusing on how to support large-scale innovation using the results of R&I. The second part will be devoted to high-level discussions on current and future EU and other policies for R&I cooperation with partner countries. A short specific session will be focused on future EU R&I programmes with partner countries. 

Participate in the third day of the conference.

The third day will  be dedicated to sessions/events proposed by organisations participating in the conference.