Inspirational idea: FOREST4EU Thematic network broadens outreach of EIP-AGRI OG results

“Numerous innovations have been developed by Operational Groups which hold the potential to benefit the forestry and agroforestry sectors. However, the results remain mainly localised, due, for example, to a lack of sufficient tools for information transfer,” explains Francesca Giannetti. Francesca is from the Horizon Europe project FOREST4EU, which has been initiated to ensure that innovative outcomes from Operational Groups (OGs) in forestry and agroforestry are shared beyond national borders.

Thematic networks are Horizon Europe multi-actor projects that collect existing knowledge and best practices on a given theme and make this available in easily understandable and accessible formats. FOREST4EU is a specific type of thematic network that focuses particularly on increasing the uptake of EIP-AGRI Operational Group results throughout Europe.

In order to achieve this goal, FOREST4EU, which was launched in January 2023, has established interregional innovation topic hubs. The 'ITHubs' collect, share and disseminate existing knowledge generated by OGs which could be applied in similar environmental and territorial contexts elsewhere, or support further innovations. They also produce practice abstracts and develop capacity-building materials according to identified regional needs. Each innovation hub deals with one key area within the forestry sector: wood mobilisation, climate change adaptation, sustainable forest management, non-wood forest products and agroforestry.

FOREST4EU also collaborates with policymakers and local-level innovation to stimulate new initiatives in regions with lower numbers of OGs. FOREST4EU thereby hopes to promote a more balanced geographic spread of innovation in the forestry sector in the EU.

Francesca explains the added values for the OGs involved in the thematic network, “I believe that being interconnected with other OGs is of primary importance to stimulate new innovations. Learning from what others have done can reduce the risk of failure and can lead to the development of even more diverse innovations.” By being part of this thematic network, OGs can also access training and support, further disseminate their results and can increase visibility for their work.

Farmers, forest managers and others who are not currently involved in an OG can also benefit, accessing new and innovative practices from different countries. Francesca adds: “The idea is to enable other stakeholders to set up new OGs, designing their projects based on pieces of innovation from different countries and topics. This approach allows them to start with solid and consolidated bases, to learn from those who have applied these innovations before and avoid repeating the same mistakes.”

The involvement of the OGs in FOREST4EU is crucial. Initially, they were involved in collecting the various innovations. In the upcoming stages, they will be invited to participate in international and national workshops and seminars, network events and policy focus groups and to host study visits. These will be opportunities for OGs to showcase innovations and address potential barriers for their uptake.

In only this first year, the FOREST4EU has 85 OGs involved. The innovation hubs have gathered a total of 174 innovations across ten different countries. Find out how to join the initiative on their website.

Horizon Europe has launched several EU-wide thematic networks that share best practices from EIP-AGRI Operational Groups across borders, for a wider uptake of innovative results. Examples also include CLIMED-FRUIT, Oper8 and several more will start their work in January 2024.

The current Horizon Europe call ‘Broaden EIP Operational Group outcomes across borders by means of thematic networks to compile and share knowledge ready for practice’ closes on 28 February. Projects must tackle the most urgent needs of farmers and foresters, building on the experiences and outcomes of EIP-AGRI Operational Groups in different Member States on a common theme. 

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