How AKIS strengthens collaboration in agricultural knowledge and innovation

Across the European Union, the agri-food sector is generating an unprecedented volume of knowledge and innovation. Universities, research centres, and businesses are continuously developing new technologies and ideas aimed at improving productivity, sustainability, and the daily work of farmers.

Yet a key challenge persists: this knowledge is often fragmented. Innovations developed in different countries or institutions frequently remain disconnected from one another, and even more critically, many never reach practical application in the field.

To address this gap, the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) was established.

AKIS is not a single programme but a coordinated network that connects all actors involved in agriculture, including farmers, advisors, researchers, businesses, and public authorities. Its purpose is to create a dynamic “knowledge ecosystem” where information flows more efficiently, collaboration is strengthened, and innovation can be more rapidly adopted.

Bridging research and practice

One of AKIS’s core strengths lies in closing the gap between research and real-world application. Innovation is only meaningful if it responds to farmers’ actual needs and can be implemented in everyday farming practices.

Equally important is the two-way flow of knowledge. Farmers are not just end-users of innovation—they are active contributors. Their practical experience helps shape research priorities and ensures that new solutions are relevant, effective, and grounded in reality.

The role of the CAP

AKIS operates within the framework of the CAP 2023–2027, which provides the financial and policy support needed to make the system work. While AKIS itself is not a funding instrument, the CAP funds key activities such as training, advisory services, knowledge exchange, and collaborative innovation projects that make AKIS work in practice.

The link with EIP-AGRI

A central pillar of AKIS is the EIP-AGRI. While AKIS represents the overall system, EIP-AGRI acts as its practical implementation tool by supporting Operational Groups—collaborative projects that bring together farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders to develop and test innovative solutions in real conditions, funded through the CAP.

In simple terms:

AKIS = the network and the system

EIP-AGRI = the tool that implements innovation in practice

By improving collaboration, accelerating knowledge transfer, and ensuring that innovation is rooted in real needs, AKIS plays a crucial role in shaping the future of European agriculture. It helps transform ideas into practical solutions, making the sector more sustainable, competitive, and resilient in the face of growing global challenges.