Scaling nature-based solutions through strong networks
Successful Nature-based Solutions (NBS) depend not only on innovative technologies but also on the people and organisations that support them. The trans4num project found that innovations are more likely to move beyond pilot projects when farmers, advisors, researchers, businesses and policymakers collaborate over time. Strong Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), stable funding and continuous knowledge exchange help adapt innovations to local conditions and support their long-term uptake, while fragmented networks and short-term support limit wider adoption.
The need
Many promising NBS remain in early development because they lack strong networks connecting farmers, advisors, businesses and policymakers. Across Europe, weak coordination, missing actors and fragmented funding slow innovation and prevent solutions from becoming part of everyday farming practice.
The benefits
Well-functioning advisory and innovation networks improve farmers' access to practical knowledge, reduce risks and encourage the adoption of new practices. Strong cooperation between actors increases the likelihood that innovations are adapted to local conditions, become economically viable and receive long-term support from policy and markets.
Additional information
trans4num findings
trans4num showed that successful innovation depends as much on cooperation as on technology. Country examples highlighted different AKIS approaches:
• Denmark: Long-term cooperation between farmers, advisors, researchers and industry, supported by stable funding, enabled innovations such as green biorefineries to move beyond pilot projects.
• Netherlands: Farmer-led networks drove innovation, but limited formal support reduced long-term stability.
• Hungary: Top-down advisory systems and uneven access to knowledge limited farmer participation.
• United Kingdom: Product innovations developed by companies and researchers struggled to move beyond demonstration sites.
Farmers were more willing to test NBS when involved through co-design, testing and feedback. Trusted advisors translated research into practice, while strong networks, stable funding and broad stakeholder involvement enabled wider uptake. Diverse networks alone were insufficient when links between actors were weak.
Challenges / limitations
Missing key actors, weak coordination between policy, research and practice, fragmented funding and limited communication slowed innovation and reduced adoption.
Resources needed & policy recommendations
Successful implementation requires trusted advisory systems, inclusive networks, stable long-term funding, regular knowledge exchange through demonstration farms and peer learning, and coordination between science, policy and practice. AKIS should be supported by trusted innovation intermediaries rather than managed as a formal structure. The Danish experience highlights the value of regional multi-actor platforms, while the most appropriate coordination model should reflect the innovation, its development stage and the local institutional context.
Transformation for sustainable nutrient supply and management
Ongoing | 2022-2026
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Romania, Switzerland, The United Kingdom, China
Project Keywords
- Arable crops
- Circular economy, incl. waste, by-products and residues
- Crop rotation/crop diversification/dual-purpose or mixed cropping
- Biodiversity and nature
- Agro-ecology
- Food security, safety, quality, processing and nutrition
- Landscape/land management
- Pest/disease control in plants
- Plant nutrients
- Soil
- Water