GOFAGUS: new Spanish case study selected by i2connect to learn from the process that generates interactive innovation between different countries

GOFAGUS is the new Spanish case study selected by a panel of experts from the European project i2connect, funded by Horizon 2020, which, through an exchange of knowledge between countries, analyses interactive innovation with peer review. It allows advisors from different countries to learn from each other about different innovations from different case studies implemented in the EU.

GOFAGUS is a project for the revaluation of beech forests through the innovative use of, among others, LIDAR remote sensing systems and the improvement of the competitiveness of its forest-industry value chain. On June 6, the peer review process of a successful case study of the Bulgarian Informal Consultative Councils (ICC) Advisory Service (NAAS ) project, which deals with their governance and ways of organizing working meetings, began.

Agri-food innovation: driving the future with the European H2020 i2connect project

Innovation in the agro-food and forestry sectors is crucial for the sustainable development of the sector. In this context, the European H2020 i2connect project stands out for promoting interactive innovation by fostering a multi-stakeholder approach. These agricultural and forestry advisors are essential for promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange, essential elements for technological and methodological evolution in agriculture and forestry.

Success stories and best practices in innovation at grifoodtech

The i2connect project has identified and selected successful cases of innovative projects in several Member States of the European Union. These cases are used to extract and disseminate best practices related to advisors through a peer review methodology. This approach allows to investigate how interactive innovation is promoted, highlighting the methods, tools and conditions necessary to support this process. The latest of those chosen has been the GOFAGUS project for the upgrading of beech wood. The aim is to ensure that medium-quality beech wood is used for higher added value applications than being converted into firewood, as is the case in most cases now.

From linear innovation to interactive and systemic innovation

i2connect promotes a transition from the traditional linear advisory model to interactive and systemic innovation. The European Union encourages cooperation for co-development, co-creation and co-ownership of results. To achieve this interactive innovation, it is crucial to recognise the value of scientific and experimental knowledge, promoting its exchange through the participation of all actors in the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS).

The fundamental role of agricultural and forestry advisors

Agricultural and forestry advisors can play a crucial role as innovation agents or " innovationbrokers ". Their leadership and ability to facilitate the connection between different actors are essential for the success of projects, both at a technical and social level. i2connect focuses on studying and disseminating the skills, competencies and leadership abilities necessary for innovation projects to achieve their goals.

Peer review is a core methodology at i2connect, allowing peer reviewers from different countries to review and learn from case study innovations. Participants seek to understand the roles of actors, stakeholders and key moments, such as challenges, successes and lessons learned.

Success story: GOFAGUS project

One of the success stories selected by i2connect is the GOFAGUS project. This innovative project has been analysed in collaboration with the participants of the Bulgarian case study Informal Consultative Councils (ICC) belonging to the Bulgarian National Advisory Service (NAAS). The collaboration has enabled mutual learning and has contributed to creating a wider network for supporting innovation in agriculture and forestry.

Peer learning

Within the framework of the i2connect project, peer learning is promoted. The company Agresta, in its role as "innovation broker", together with CESEFOR, FORA and the General Directorate of Rural Development, Innovation and Agri-Food Training of the MAPA, have analysed the transformative journey that innovation entailed in order to create the GO FAGUS, working closely with their Bulgarian peers. This collaboration has allowed exploring innovation processes through i2connect tools such as the "spiral of initiatives".

The Bulgarian officials from the Bulgarian Advisory Service were particularly interested in finding out how the various project partners were located, what the main difficulties were and how the results will be transferred to the market so that it can benefit from the research. Among other things, this process sheds light on issues such as the difficulties in translating theoretical projections into practical terms when working on the ground.

Contributing to the agricultural knowledge and innovation system, AKIS

Participation in i2connect and the analysis of innovative projects such as GO FAGUS aim to significantly contribute to the Knowledge and Innovation System in Agriculture (AKIS) and help others to create new innovations with a multi-stakeholder approach. These efforts not only boost the culture of innovation in European projects, but also strengthen the sector, and even end up reinforcing its digital transition, strengthening the essential pillars for the future of the agricultural and forestry sector.

For more information about the i2connect and GO FAGUS projects visit the following links: i2connect H2020 and GO FAGUS