‍Introduction

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In the face of global challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices, Agri-Food research has become a critical area of focus. However, addressing the complex, multifaceted issues within this domain requires more than just local expertise or resources. International networks have proven to be instrumental in advancing Agri-Food research, enabling cross-border collaborations that pool knowledge, expertise, and resources to tackle these pressing challenges on a global scale.

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This article explores the critical role of international networks in strengthening Agri-Food research, with a focus on the Crosspaths project and its international consortium. Through its diverse partnership structure and broad objectives, Crosspaths demonstrates how collaborative efforts can enhance the reach and effectiveness of Agri-Food research on a smaller scale. The article also offers insights into how the Crosspaths consortium can continue to contribute to Agri-Food research beyond the project's completion, with an emphasis on sustaining collaboration and ensuring long-term impact.

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1. International Networks in Agri-Food Research

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International networks in Agri-Food research encompass a wide range of partnerships, collaborations, and consortia between academic institutions, research centers, policy-makers, and industry players across different countries and regions. These networks serve as platforms for sharing knowledge, coordinating research efforts, and mobilizing resources to address the global challenges facing the food and agriculture sectors.

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The role of international networks in Agri-Food research cannot be overstated, as they provide numerous benefits, including:

1. Pooling of Resources: By combining financial, human, and material resources across borders, international networks enable more extensive and more robust research initiatives. This is particularly critical in Agri-Food research, where large-scale studies involving multiple regions are often necessary to assess the impact of various variables, such as climate, policy, and market dynamics.
2. Knowledge Sharing and Expertise: Agri-Food research benefits immensely from the diverse expertise brought together by international networks. Different regions may face unique challenges or possess specific knowledge that can be valuable to global research efforts. Collaborative research initiatives foster the exchange of ideas, methodologies, and best practices, leading to richer, more comprehensive solutions.
3. Addressing Global Challenges: Many of the pressing challenges in Agri-Food research, such as climate change, food security, and sustainability, are inherently global in nature. International networks enable researchers to collectively address these issues, ensuring that solutions are developed with a global perspective in mind. These networks facilitate the coordination of research efforts, allowing for a holistic approach to solving complex problems.
4. Building Research Capacity: International networks often support the capacity building of researchers in developing countries. By facilitating access to cutting-edge research, technology, and training opportunities, these networks help strengthen the global research community, ensuring that all regions can contribute to and benefit from Agri-Food innovations.

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In Europe, EIT Food stands as the largest and most influential network dedicated to fostering innovation within theAgri-Food sector. As part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), it brings together over 50 leading partners, including top universities, research organizations, businesses, and startups, with a shared mission to transform the food system across Europe. EIT Food focuses on tackling major challenges in the Agri-Food industry, such as sustainability, food security, and consumer health, by accelerating the development and commercialization of innovative solutions. Through its vast network, EIT Food plays a pivotal role in driving collaboration, supporting startups, and creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and innovation, making it a cornerstone of Europe’s Agri-Food research ecosystem.

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In addition to EIT Food, several other European networks play a vital role in strengthening Agri-Food research, each contributing in unique ways to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration within the sector. Here are some notable networks:

1. EIP-AGRI (European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability)
   EIP-AGRI aims to foster competitive and sustainable farming and forestry through innovation. It promotes the creation of Operational Groups and Focus Groups, which involve farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders working together to address specific agricultural challenges. By facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration, EIP-AGRI enhances the practical application of research in real-world farming and food systems. (ec.europa.eu)
2. EURAGRI (European Agricultural Research Initiative)
   EURAGRI is a network of European agricultural research organizations focused on improving the quality and impact of agricultural research. It serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices, particularly through conferences, workshops, and webinars. EURAGRI brings together researchers and policymakers to foster cross-border collaboration and address shared challenges in Agri-Food research. (euragri.org)
3. ENAF (European Network for Agroecological Food Systems)
   ENAF is dedicated to promoting agroecological principles across European food systems. The network facilitates knowledge exchange among stakeholders working on sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental issues. ENAF encourages the integration of social, economic, and environmental aspects into agricultural practices, helping to develop more sustainable and resilient food systems across Europe. (ae4eu.eu)
4. SCAR (Standing Committee on Agricultural Research)
   SCAR is an advisory body that supports the European Commission and Member States in shaping agricultural research priorities. The committee focuses on agriculture, fisheries, food systems, and bioeconomy, helping to create research and innovation strategies to address major global challenges. Through its collaborative approach, SCAR enhances the effectiveness of European agricultural research and innovation efforts. (scar-europe.org)

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These networks, alongside EIT Food, highlight the diversity and depth of collaborative efforts within European Agri-Food research. Each network contributes to innovation, sustainability, and the global competitiveness of European agriculture by fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the integration of cutting-edge research into practical applications.

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2. The Crosspaths Project: A Case Study

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The Crosspaths project is an exemplary case of how international networks can strengthen Agri-Food research by fostering collaboration and building research capacities. Primarily composed of partners from Widening countries, this project seeks to enhance the research and innovation (R&I) capacities of countries that are currently less competitive in European R&I fora. According to the European Union’s definitions, Widening countries are those that have lower research and innovation performance, often due to historical, structural, or economic factors. These countries are targeted by EU initiatives like Horizon Europe’s Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (ERA), aiming to improve their scientific capacity and overall competitiveness.

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The Crosspaths project is funded under the "Pathways to Synergy" call of Horizon Europe, a strategic initiative designed to maximize the utilization of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)-funded infrastructures. The three Widening partners in the consortium have all previously benefited from ERDF funding, which helped them develop essential infrastructures for Agri-Food research. Through this project, they now come together to make more effective use of these infrastructures, combining their resources, expertise, and capabilities to overcome existing barriers and achieve greater synergy in their research activities. By working collaboratively, these partners aim to increase their participation in European R&I networks and improve their ability to address the global challenges of food security, sustainability, and climate change.

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It is important to note that the Crosspaths project does not aim to create a completely new network or reinvent the wheel in terms of Agri-Food research collaborations. Instead, its core focus is on helping the Widening partners strengthen their individual and collective research capacities. By leveraging a small-scale network, the project provides a supportive platform for these partners to improve their engagement in European research activities. Through this collaborative framework, the Widening partners can enhance their knowledge exchange, access cutting-edge research, and build lasting relationships that will enable them to better compete in European and international Agri-Food research initiatives.

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In this context, the Crosspaths project represents a valuable opportunity for Widening countries to build on existing infrastructures, access new resources, and ultimately increase their presence and impact in the broader European research landscape. The project’s focus on capacity building and collaboration within a manageable network ensures that the partners can implement sustainable improvements, setting the stage for future contributions to Agri-Food research on a global scale.

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3. Crosspaths Consortium's Approach

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The Crosspaths project brings together a diverse group of partners from Widening countries with the goal of enhancing their research and innovation capabilities in the Agri-Food sector. The consortium's approach is centered around capacity building, leveraging existing ERDF-funded infrastructures, and fostering collaboration across borders to improve the competitiveness of its partners in European and international R&I activities. This collaborative framework will ensure that the Widening partners can maximize the potential of their infrastructures and resources, strengthening their roles in the broader Agri-Food research landscape.

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At the core of the Crosspaths project is the development of a small-scale, yet highly focused network that will support its Widening partners as they build stronger connections within the European research community. The consortium plans to establish a range of activities aimed at enhancing the partners' research capabilities. These include:

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1. Capacity Building: The partners will engage in a series of joint research initiatives, workshops, and training sessions designed to address the specific needs of Widening countries in Agri-Food research. By providing targeted support in areas such as research methodologies, data management, and innovation strategies, the consortium aims to equip its partners with the skills and knowledge needed to improve their R&I performance.
2. Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration: Crosspaths will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the Widening partners, as well as with other European research organizations. This will involve both physical and virtual exchanges, including conferences, seminars, and collaborative research projects. The focus will be on sharing best practices, developing new research approaches, and fostering long-term collaborations that can continue after the project’s completion.
3. Leveraging ERDF-funded Infrastructures: One of the key objectives of the Crosspaths project is to make better use of the infrastructures developed with ERDF funding. The partners will collaborate to optimize these resources and ensure that they are used to their full potential. This includes enhancing the capabilities of existing research facilities, improving access to high-quality data, and using digital tools to increase efficiency and innovation.
4. Developing Strategic Partnerships: Although the project is focused on Widening countries, Crosspaths will also encourage the development of partnerships with more established research organizations and industry stakeholders. By building strategic alliances within Europe and beyond, the project will ensure that the Widening partners are better positioned to engage in high-impact research initiatives and policy discussions related to Agri-Food systems.
5. Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: The project aims to ensure that the benefits of the Crosspaths collaboration extend beyond its duration. By creating a foundation for continuous engagement, knowledge sharing, and research excellence, the consortium plans to leave a lasting legacy that will help the Widening partners remain competitive and engaged in European Agri-Food research. This will include strategies for maintaining the network, securing future funding, and continuing to build on the improvements made during the project.

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Through these activities, the Crosspaths consortium intends to provide its partners with the tools, skills, and collaborative opportunities needed to improve their participation in European and global Agri-Food research. The project is designed not only to strengthen the research capacities of its members but also to ensure that these partners are well-positioned to contribute to the future of sustainable and innovative food systems.

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4. Expected Ouctomes and Perspectives for Future Activities

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While the Crosspaths project is still in its early stages, the consortium is optimistic about the transformative impact it will have on its Widening country partners and their ability to engage in cutting-edge Agri-Food research. The project’s focus on capacity building, infrastructure optimization, and strategic collaboration is expected to yield significant results that will not only enhance the research capabilities of its partners during the project’s duration but also ensure continued growth and development long after its completion.

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Key expected outcomes include:

1. Strengthened Research Capacities: By the end of the project, the Widening partners will have developed stronger research capabilities, particularly in areas such as innovation management, data analysis, and research methodologies. The knowledge and skills gained through training, workshops, and joint research activities will enhance their ability to compete in European and global Agri-Food research arenas. This will open doors for more active participation in high-impact projects and initiatives, increasing the visibility of Widening countries in the European research landscape.
2. Enhanced Infrastructure Utilization: A core objective of Crosspaths is to optimize ERDF-funded infrastructures. Through collaboration and resource-sharing, the partners will improve the use of these existing research infrastructures, ensuring that they are better equipped to support future Agri-Food research. This enhanced infrastructure will not only benefit the partners involved but will also contribute to the broader European research ecosystem by providing valuable resources and facilities for future research initiatives.
3. Sustainable Knowledge Exchange Networks: One of the most important long-term impacts of the Crosspaths project is the establishment of a sustainable network for knowledge exchange. The small-scale network formed during the project will continue to facilitate collaboration among the Widening partners and with other European and international research organizations. This ongoing collaboration will create a lasting foundation for sharing best practices, exchanging ideas, and working together on future Agri-Food research projects.
4. Increased Collaboration with Industry and Policymakers: Crosspaths will help the Widening partners strengthen their relationships with both industry stakeholders and policymakers. This will ensure that their research aligns with the needs of the Agri-Food sector, leading to more practical and applicable outcomes. The network's engagement with industry will promote the commercialization of research innovations, while collaboration with policymakers will help ensure that the findings from Crosspaths have a real-world impact on shaping agricultural policies.
5. Long-Term Sustainability and Follow-Up Projects: The partners are committed to ensuring that the benefits of the Crosspaths project extend far beyond its conclusion. In the long run, the network will continue to operate, with partners maintaining their collaborative relationships and pursuing follow-up projects. These future activities could include new research initiatives, applications for additional funding, and the development of joint ventures to commercialize innovations. By building on the foundations laid during the Crosspaths project, the consortium will ensure that the momentum for innovation and collaboration continues.
6. Capacity Building Beyond the Project: Although the primary focus of Crosspaths is on the Widening partners, the capacity-building efforts will have a ripple effect, helping to strengthen the wider European and global Agri-Food research community. The tools, methodologies, and best practices developed during the project will be shared with other research organizations, further contributing to the overall improvement of the Agri-Food research landscape.

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In summary, the Crosspaths project is designed to have a lasting impact on the research capabilities of its Widening country partners. The outcomes of this project will ensure that these partners remain competitive in European and global research fora, fostering continued collaboration and innovation in Agri-Food research. After the project’s completion, the consortium will continue to build on its successes, ensuring that the knowledge and networks established during Crosspaths have a sustainable impact on the future of Agri-Food research.

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Conclusion

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International networks play a pivotal role in strengthening Agri-Food research, as they enable researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to collaborate on solving global challenges. The Crosspaths project serves as a prime example of how international networks can amplify research efforts and lead to impactful innovations in food security, sustainability, and agriculture.

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Looking ahead, the Crosspaths consortium is well-positioned to continue its work beyond the project's completion by strengthening long-term partnerships, fostering interdisciplinary research, and expanding its geographical reach.