Networking Tools to Facilitate AKIS-Actors’ Interactions in Greece ^†

Abstract

This work examines the facilitation of interactive activities between AKIS-actors in Greece through the use of networking tools and interactive communication techniques. The findings indicate that such tools can mobilize the untapped potential of actors. The study further highlights the need for a critical mass of facilitators capable of guiding these processes to strengthen multi-actor networks and support interactive innovation.

1. Introduction

The capacity to innovate is vital in a rapidly changing world. The European Union, recognizing this imperative for the agri-food sector, designs and supports policies and instruments, such as the Operational Groups under the European Innovation Partnership on Agricultural productivity and sustainability (EIP-AGRI), to foster knowledge exchange and interactive innovation through multi-actor networks. The underlying rationale is that sustainable solutions to complex problems cannot be achieved by individual actors but through the effective interaction of all actors involved. In this context, networks can be viewed as social processes that foster exchange, while “knowledge can be defined as a set of formal and informal social relationships between heterogeneous actors” [1]. Similarly, interactive innovation concerns dynamic processes, emphasizing “cooperation among various actors, the sharing of knowledge and effective intermediation between the stakeholders along the value chains and at different territorial levels” [1].

Another critical innovation-focused concept in the EU Common Agricultural Policy concerns the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS). According to the EU Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR), AKIS describes “a system of innovation, with emphasis on the organizations involved, the links and interactions between them, the institutional infrastructure with its incentives and budget mechanisms” [2]. These elements categorize the European national AKISs as strong or weak, integrated or fragmented, indicating their capacity to effectively deliver innovation support services.

This paper presents findings from a pilot project conducted in Greece within the framework of the H2020 I2CONNECT project. The project aimed to encourage targeted interactions among AKIS-actors—including public and private organizations, farmers, and advisors’ associations—in order to improve their coordination and strengthen knowledge exchange and co-creation. It focused on two issues:

• The limited training opportunities available to farmers;
• The lack of skills and tools among rural advisors to effectively support innovations (especially in the context of EIP-AGRI Operational Groups). The project sought to deepen the networks of actors for a more effective and farmer-centered implementation of the interventions foreseen by the Greek CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027.

2. Materials and Methods

The pilot project followed an action-research design, including eleven face-to-face and online group meetings and individual discussions, which were held from January to August 2024. An interactive communication approach was used in all meetings. Basic techniques, such as short introductions, asking open questions, asking and providing explanations, and paraphrasing, were used to clarify meanings and intentions. Networking tools [3], such as storytelling, warm and cold processes, the circle of coherence and the triangle of co-creation, included in the I2CONNECT toolbox [4], were used to facilitate and analyze the discussions.

3. Results

The pilot project activities were successful in terms of sensitizing the approached actors as well as sharing opinions and knowledge. Most of them were willing to participate in future discussions and learn from good examples of AKIS that contribute to the construction of common visions.

Particularly, in relation to farmers’ training, an important outcome was the initial mobilization of a network of regional actors willing to contribute to the organization of training courses for farmers. The engagement of multiple actors (including advisors, cooperatives and processors) in farmers’ training can lead to better integration of knowledge, improved farmers’ participation, and, ultimately, skilled farmers able to produce to the highest standards of markets at competitive prices. The project also contributed to discussions about the implementation of farmers’ discussion groups throughout the country and their reactivation in the Karditsa area [5]. In addition, it helped actors to enhance their knowledge about participatory training for both farmers and advisors, which is important in the framework of the National Committee for AKIS and its future decisions.

The networking tools used to carry out the activities contributed to the identification of professional networks and individuals with a common vision and values, which is important for approaching actors who respect each other, especially at the regional level. The triangle of co-creation was among the tools used more often. It was used for various purposes, for example, to depict actors’ complementary roles in a network related to a past initiative and then again in an effort to identify actors who could contribute to the reconstruction of a similar initiative. The triangle was also used in the preparation of meetings to identify actors that could constructively contribute to the vitality of the network. The circle of coherence was another tool used to analyze the quality of actors’ interactions; for example, it was used to illustrate the quality of the farmers’ interactions within the discussion groups that were implemented in Karditsa in the past [5].

4. Discussion

The findings highlight the importance of combining structured facilitation with adaptable networking tools. An important lesson was that knowledge of tools is insufficient; facilitators require flexibility to adapt their application to specific needs and circumstances.

The project also revealed structural and institutional barriers to interactive innovation in Greece. Three main challenges emerged:

• The fragmented and hierarchical structure of the Greek AKIS, which in practice meant that, no matter how good discussions were held, no major decision on critical issues could be taken at the national level, given that the National Committee of AKIS had just been established and was not yet operational.
• Established institutional weaknesses. For example, crucial organizations were understaffed; their staff had to multitask, resulting in complaints and frustration. Such conditions do not allow for meaningful interaction and understanding of the bigger picture. Instead, they encourage the establishment of a procedural perception of tasks, which is ineffective.
• In some cases, there was limited understanding of important concepts and, also, of the institutional role of other actors, which is a cause of misunderstandings. In addition, it was not always realized that living networks need stable communication channels and feedback mechanisms.

5. Conclusions

The proper use of networking tools and interactive techniques can contribute to the activation of AKIS-actors and gradually unlock the potential of multi-actor networks in Greece, creating an enabling environment for interactive innovation processes. However, their consolidation within the Greek AKIS clashes with entrenched structures, necessitating the development of a critical mass of facilitators capable of guiding such processes and overcoming the challenges that arise in practice.