The inaugural CROSSPATHS integration workshop, held in Olsztyn, Poland, has marked a significant milestone in fostering cross-border collaboration within the European agri-food sector. Hosted by the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences, this event brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders from the realms of science, policy, business, and consumer sectors.
Enhancing Regional Growth Through Strategic Partnerships
The workshop aimed to explore and enhance the opportunities for cross-border cooperation in research and innovation, highlighting the pivotal role of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) investments in boosting regional participation in Horizon Europe projects. This strategic gathering underscored the importance of leveraging regional investments to tap into broader European funding opportunities and initiatives.
Key Insights and Discussions
Iwona Kieda, a prominent member of the CROSSPATHS project, set the tone by discussing the project's goals to support partners in enhancing their internationalization practices and human resources development. This, she noted, would lead to a greater valorization of locally subsidized research infrastructures across Poland, Portugal, and Estonia.
The sessions covered a wide range of topics:
- Science Session: Featured representatives from partner institutions who shared insights into their research ventures and the regional landscape.
- Policy Session: Delved into regional innovation strategies with discussions led by local government and policy experts who emphasized smart specializations aligned with the CROSSPATHS' objectives, like "High-Quality Food" and "Healthy Life."
- Business and Consumers Session: Offered a platform for key agri-food industry players to showcase their collaborative projects with research centers, emphasizing the role of consumer engagement in driving innovation.
Tour and Practical Insights
A tour of the Animal Facility at the Institute highlighted the state-of-the-art, regionally funded infrastructure that supports groundbreaking research, providing participants with firsthand experience of the advanced capabilities of the local agri-food research landscape.
Looking Forward
This workshop not only emphasized the need for aligned regional strategies with European initiatives but also showcased how internationalization of investments like those from the ERDF could propel Horizon Europe projects towards greater innovation and sustainable growth. The discussions highlighted the ongoing need for synergy between science, policy, business, and consumers to drive progress in the agri-food sector.
This event is just the beginning of a more integrated and innovative future, aiming to bridge gaps and foster a robust network that can address the pressing challenges of the agri-food sector across Europe.
