Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS)

Focus

In the Regional Expert Advisory Working Group (REAWG) on Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), national and regional strategies and concepts are developed to strengthen cooperation between agricultural research, education, advisory services and practice. The working group serves as a structured expert platform within the APD, facilitating knowledge exchange, policy dialogue and the development of practical approaches to improve innovation transfer and advisory systems.

A particular focus is placed on strengthening agricultural advisory networks, enhancing the functioning of AKIS structures and supporting their further development in line with EU frameworks, in particular in the context of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and EU accession requirements. Activities are implemented through defined formats such as workshops, expert meetings and study visits, based on an operational work plan. They are aligned with EU standards and current developments and are carried out in close cooperation with the relevant Directorates-General (DG) and international experts from the AKIS network.

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, universities and agricultural practice (demonstration farms). The AKIS activities are an essential part of the RKIN in outcome area one of the APD.

The working group operates through structured formats such as regional workshops, expert meetings, study visits and analytical work, following an agreed operational plan and contributing to the broader policy dialogue and knowledge exchange within the APD framework.

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 is available on the SWG website. This database facilitates the exchange of information between countries and regions, supports evidence-based policymaking and promotes cooperation. It also serves as a knowledge base for all stakeholders, including the relevant Directorates-General at European level. In 2026, cooperation with the Working Group on AKIS under Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) was further strengthened, reinforcing the link to EU-level policy processes and international expert networks.