Convenors

The objective relating to this theme is to explore concepts, theories, methods, tools and practices focusing on learning processes and capacity development in the context of sustainability-oriented innovation processes in agriculture, agri-food and rural development, as well as on the results of relevant projects, programmes or courses in different socio-cultural, economic and institutional contexts. Besides the global North, contributions from projects and research activities linked with the global South, or from North-South collaborative initiatives are very welcomed. Abstracts are invited to address a range of topics, which include, but are not limited to:

• Methods, tools and practices supporting learning aiming at systemic, transformative and multi-stakeholder (multi-actor and/or transdisciplinary) processes such as networks/ platforms, social learning, interactive innovation, Living Labs (LLs), EIP OGs, etc. 

• Experiences of education and training pathways enhancing systemic changes. 

• Extension/Advisory/ innovation support services (ISS) (incl. new service functions, business models, new skills and advisors’ training).

• Facilitation of new knowledge, skills and attitudes (or capacity development) aiming at systemic change/ transition to sustainability. 

• Co-design, co-creation methods and tools for farming and food systems (citizens’/farmers’ science, participatory modelling). 

• New monitoring/assessment/evaluative approaches, methods and tools to support the analysis of learning pathways, organizational capacities for supporting and accompanying innovations, and capacity development aiming at systemic change.