Background information

National CAP Networks (NNs) have the same objectives and tasks as the EU CAP Network, on a national level, as defined in the CAP Regulation under Article 126. Even if NNs have gained experience with EIP-AGRI Operational Group projects (OGs) throughout the previous programming period, surveys and meetings have indicated that they would need annual capacity-building events, support in peer-to-peer learning, and guidance on identifying good practices. This would help them to carry out NN tasks and use AKIS interventions more effectively, increasing innovation and knowledge exchange.

Within this context, the EU CAP Network, with a focus on innovation, knowledge exchange and EIP-AGRI, invited National CAP Networks, AKIS Coordination Bodies, Managing Authorities, Paying Agencies, and advisors to the second workshop ‘National networking for innovation and knowledge exchange’ on 29-30 January 2025. The event focused on how to support the CAP cross-cutting objective in everyday practice and how to make use of national networking tools and available AKIS interventions to do so. With over 3,800 OGs either ongoing or completed across the EU, their project outcomes hold a huge potential to be unlocked.

The workshop made use of the unique opportunities within the EIP-AGRI to create synergies and stimulate knowledge exchange across the EU. The event was shaped on the basis of suggestions received from participants on common themes of interest for transnational collaboration. A matchmaking exercise was organised on the second day to connect participants along these key themes. Attention was given to how such transnational/cross-border collaboration and exchange can be better organised.

Objectives

The overall aim of this workshop was to create opportunities for inspirational exchange and peer-to-peer learning on experiences, approaches, and good practices in networking for innovation and knowledge exchange. This built on the capacities of all participants and all potential AKIS tools in the CAP Strategic Plans, and include synergies with Horizon projects.

The specific objectives of the workshop were to

1. share experiences and identify opportunities for new approaches to unlock the potential of OG outcomes
2. discuss how to support transnational collaboration and knowledge sharing between Operational Groups (OGs), and between OGs and other innovative projects
3. explore the setting-up of cross-border and transnational OGs.

Main target groups

The workshop targeted Network Support Units (NSU) from the National CAP Networks, national and regional Managing Authorities, AKIS Coordination Bodies in EU Member States, Paying Agencies and advisors.

Contact information

For any questions, please contact workshop.innovation@eucapnetwork.eu.

For registered workshop participants only:

Visit the virtual event platform to connect with other participants and access all event documents.