The European Union has invested significantly in research and innovation to support the global transformation of agri-food systems. A policy brief analyzing 15 completed projects funded between 2014 and 2024 highlights how these initiatives, aligned with EU frameworks like the Green Deal, Farm to Fork strategy, and the Global Gateway Strategy, have strengthened local research capacities, generated innovative solutions, and reinforced European scientific excellence. Despite these successes, critical gaps remain, limiting the full potential of EU international research and innovation (R&I) programs. The brief offers evidence-based recommendations aimed at policymakers and funders to enhance the effectiveness, inclusiveness, and impact of future initiatives.
One key gap identified is the uneven inclusiveness of EU–global agri-innovation partnerships. While EU projects have improved cooperation with non-EU research institutions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), disparities remain in the level of participation. Data from 2014–2020 shows that only 2.1% of the EU net contribution to R&I actions went to LMICs, although specific initiatives like the Leap-AGRI partnership achieved 23%. The first four years of Horizon Europe (2021–2024) continued this EU-centric pattern, limiting funding access and leadership opportunities for third countries, thereby reducing their ability to address global agri-food challenges.
Another limitation is the short timeline of current research funding. Most projects successfully delivered results within their three-year cycle, improving productivity, livelihoods, cropping systems, and resilience to climate change. However, longer-term partnerships and project extensions would have enabled deeper stakeholder engagement, better integration of activities, and more sustainable outcomes. Relatedly, insufficient co-construction between EU and non-EU partners has resulted in fragmented approaches, weak policy alignment, and methods that do not fully consider national or regional priorities in LMICs.
The policy brief also highlights limited support for broader research and innovation ecosystems. Collaboration between European and non-European researchers has produced innovative technologies and practices, yet long-term partnerships with networks such as CGIAR remain underdeveloped. The uptake of digital tools for real-time agricultural monitoring and decision-making is limited in many LMICs, restricting the scaling of climate-smart agricultural practices. Additionally, many projects struggle to translate scientific findings into actionable policy recommendations due to insufficient connection between research and policymaking.
Monitoring and evaluating long-term impact remains another challenge. Short project cycles, fragmented systems, and limited post-project follow-up hinder assessment of systemic transformation. Factors such as funding delays, global crises, and weak institutional capacities further complicate data collection, stakeholder engagement, and attribution of outcomes. Overall, fully integrated, long-term approaches to agricultural R&I are still lacking, limiting the transformative potential of these initiatives.
To address these gaps, the brief recommends enhancing international cooperation frameworks to make EU–LMIC R&I partnerships more inclusive, equitable, and impact-oriented. Innovative funding models incorporating alternative sources, blended finance, and dedicated support for LMIC participation are suggested. Extending project durations through multi-phase funding structures is recommended to strengthen long-term impacts, while inclusive co-design of R&I programs ensures local priorities are reflected and shared ownership is established.
Strengthening research and innovation ecosystems is also critical. This includes fostering collaboration between European and local research institutions, building capacity in digital literacy, climate-smart agriculture, and value chain management, and leveraging international networks and private sector involvement. Systematic adoption of the Team Europe Approach is proposed to integrate public and private actors, including marginalized communities, into program design and implementation. Strategic investments in digital infrastructure and technologies are also encouraged to facilitate innovation and knowledge exchange.
Bridging the gap between science and policy is essential. Projects should involve government representatives early, create policy liaison teams, and produce policy briefs to inform decision-making. Digital tools, infrastructure investments, and long-term stakeholder engagement can further enhance the translation of research into actionable policies. Standardized, impact-oriented monitoring and evaluation frameworks are recommended to track project outcomes, support comparability, and improve dissemination of results through open access publications.
In conclusion, the brief underscores the importance of inclusive, long-term, and globally connected EU R&I programs to enhance resilience and sustainability in agri-food systems. Strengthening LMIC participation, extending project timelines, supporting ecosystem development, aligning research with policy, and improving impact evaluation are critical steps for generating meaningful knowledge, fostering innovation, and supporting transformative change both in Europe and internationally.
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