Catalonia
The Catalan agri-food sector is a pillar of the economic structure of the Community and Spain, with significant foreign trade projection. Innovation in the sector is comparatively higher than the Spanish average, and innovative companies in the sector often collaborate with suppliers, public research centers, and universities. Consequently, the Catalan agri-food sector has a robust AKIS system.
The AKIS system presents a broad set of agents that promote research, innovation and knowledge transfer and that interact with each other:
The image shows the groups of public and private agents in a regional AKIS:
- Agents that generate knowledge.
- Public sector agents.
- Agents dedicated to training.
- Agents of the agri-food sector.
- Other AKIS agents.
AKIS agents and interactions
Agents dedicated to the generation of knowledge
- AGROTECNIO UDL: Scientific research in Agrotecnio is based on a wide range of disciplines such as agricultural sciences, the environment, animals, food, and nutrition.
- Catalan Forest Science and Technology Centre (CTFC) : Centre focused on sustainable forest management, biodiversity and the circular economy.
- Center for Swine Studies (CEP).
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) : The centre is dedicated to cutting-edge research into the molecular basis of genetic traits of interest in plants and farm animals, and to the application of molecular approaches to the breeding of species important for agriculture and food production.
- Center for Research in Agri-Food Economics and Development (CREDA) .
- Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications (CREAF) : The center's research focuses on contributing to knowledge about environmental and territorial conservation and management, as well as adaptation to environmental change at local, regional, and global scales.
- Agricultural Mechanization Center (CMA) : is a technological and administrative unit that operates in the agricultural machinery sector with the aim of increasing operator safety and the efficiency of mechanized operations, as well as reducing the impact of machinery on the agricultural environment.
- Mediterranean Centre for Marine and Environmental Research (CMIMA) .
- Food Technology Reference Center (CERTA) : University center specialized in innovation and transfer of technology and knowledge in the area of agri-food, and more specifically in Food Technology.
- Center for Genomic Regulation .
- Technological Center of Catalonia (EURECAT) .
- Wine Technology Center (VITEC).
- BETA Technology Center .
- Leitat Technology Center .
- Miquel Augustí Foundation .
- Catalan Institute of Vine and Wine (INCAVI) : A public research center that aims to promote quality wines and make them more competitive in domestic and foreign markets, foster research, experimentation, and technology transfer, as well as disseminate knowledge of Catalan wines, the Denominations of Origin, and promote wine culture.
- Institute of Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA) : The institute, attached to the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda, has the general objective of promoting research and technological development in the agri-food sector, facilitating the transfer of scientific advances and assessing its own technological advances, seeking maximum coordination and collaboration with the public and private sectors.
- Institute of Agri-Food Technology (INTEA) : The Institute's objective is to promote and enhance research and teaching activities related to the agri-food sector.
- Institute for Environmental Diagnosis and Water Studies (IDAEA) : Its research focuses on water purity and availability and air quality.
- Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) .
- Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) .
- University of Lleida (UDL) .
- University of Barcelona (UB) .
- University of Vic. Central University of Catalonia .
- University of Girona (UDG) .
- Rovira i Virgili University (URV) .
- Livestock Improvement Service (SEMEGA).
Public sector agents
- Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food : This is the Catalan government institution that manages agricultural and agri-food matters. The regional administration also has other departments and agencies that address aspects related to the sector.
- Regional Offices .
- Local administrations.
Agents dedicated to training
Agents of the agri-food sector
- Promotora d'Explotacions Agroalimentàries (PRODECA) .
- Federation of Agri-Food Cooperatives of Catalonia (FCAC) .
- Companies.
- Business associations.
- Professional Agricultural Organizations (OPAs): UPA , ASAJA, COAG-JARC , Union of Pagesos .
- Professional Colleges: Agronomists , Veterinarians and Agricultural Technicians .
Other agents
- Operational Groups .
- Local Action Groups .
- Catalan Operational Groups on Xarxa-i.cat by clicking here .
Instruments and tools for the dynamization of the AKIS
CAP 2023-2027
Within the scope of the common agricultural policy, Catalonia allocates the following budget and actions to three of the interventions most directly linked to AKIS:
- 7161 (Cooperation of EIP operational groups): €15 million.
- 7201 (Knowledge sharing and information dissemination): €5.50 million.
- 7202 (Advice): €5.50 million.
ADVICE
The advisory model includes an Advisory Program defined by a set of agents between entities, advisory offices and advisors, supported by an online Advisory Office from which various services can be accessed, including the RuralCat Advisory Entity Registration System.
Innovation Advisory Program: Innova 2030 Plan . Innovation strategy for the agri-food and forestry sector
The Innova 2030 Plan aims to provide Catalonia with the necessary tools to improve its agri-food innovation system and its capacity to respond to its challenges and strategies. It is structured through two lines of intervention:
- Open/group consulting that includes training, demonstration activities, publications, xarxa-i.cat , the food channel, technical visits, and other activities.
- Individualized counseling (INNOTRACK) subsidizes the hiring of counseling services provided by universities, research centers, consulting organizations, and others, according to five types of assistance. (email: assessorament.daam@gencat.cat).
Youth and Entrepreneurship Advisory Program
The program includes training pathways, a mentoring program, online facilitators and counseling, technical support, business creation assistance, and living labs.
Other lines of action of the program are networking actions (" Aplec de joves al camp "), a hackathon , prizes, participation in fairs, talent acquisition, among others.
Food Strategy and Strategic Food Plan of Catalonia (PEAC) 2021-2026
The Catalan Food Strategy is an action plan to advance toward a more sustainable, safe, fair, cohesive, resilient, healthy, and universally accessible food system.
The Catalan Strategic Food Plan 2021-2026 , structured in four areas of intervention with specific objectives and results, aims to ensure that the food system becomes a tool for protecting the future of the environment, our territory, our farmers, ranchers, and fishermen, and future generations.
Regional Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation
The current R&D&I framework is the Research and Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialization in Catalonia ( RIS3CAT ) and the National Pact for the Knowledge Society ( PN@SC ) .
Within this framework of innovation, the agricultural and agri-food sector is present in the areas of action of the Strategy with the agenda "Sustainable, Fair, Equitable, and Healthy Food System" and the Pact by promoting knowledge and knowledge transfer across all economic sectors.
Annual Technology Transfer Plan 2025 ( PATT )
The PATT (see resolution ) is the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food's instrument that encompasses the annual program of knowledge transfer and research activities related to the agricultural, agri-food, and rural sectors of Catalonia. The set of activities are proposed, organized, and implemented in collaboration with nearly 100 entities ( see appendix ).
The PATT includes various knowledge transfer activities, both in-person and online . You can consult the technical workshop agenda here .
