Monitoring food R&I investments and impacts

Research plays a significant role in helping the agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and food sectors to cope with the various challenges these sectors face among which ensuring sustainable use of natural resources, and mitigating and adapting to climate change. Yet little information exists on the levels of investments in public and private research and innovation at European and other levels of governance. Without monitoring, in particular at national and EU levels, it is not possible to gain a comprehensive overview and a good understanding of the dynamics behind and the impact of investments in research and innovation. Furthermore, it is necessary to improve methodologies and tools for measuring the impact of research, including in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Scope

Taking into account the main results of recent research projects as well as of ongoing policy initiatives, establish strategies, methodologies and tools to improve the monitoring of public and private investments in agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and food research in Europe, at different levels of governance, thereby allowing monitoring of these investments over time and for major research areas. The network will also look into the measurement – quantitative and qualitative - of the impact of research, at micro and macro levels, applying different methodologies (quantitative, impact pathways, etc.) and taking into account EU policy objectives such as those related to the SDGs. It will monitor research and innovation policies, foster policy discussions and debates and provide recommendations for research and innovation policies and investment strategies, including as result of a foresight exercise. Proposals will take account of initiatives related to research and innovation, for instance the IFPRI's initiative ASTI or the OECD monitoring of innovation in food and agriculture.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of up to EUR 7 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected Impact

• In the short to medium term: increased transparency of investments in research and innovation in Europe at different governance levels; improved management of agricultural, fisheries, aquaculture and food research and innovation ensuring better coordination and synergies between the actors involved; improved impact measurement of research and innovation activities allowing for better policy developments;
• In the long term: better investments in research and innovation for improved solutions to societal needs.

Cross-cutting Priorities

Socio-economic science and humanities