The H2020 i2connect project aims to optimize the skills of agricultural advisors and their organizations, in order to involve and support farmers and foresters in interactive innovation processes. Innovation is a key factor in the continuous adaptation to the sometimes contradictory challenges of agriculture in the 21st century. One of the main goals of the i2connect project is to strengthen the skills, competences and attitudes of future agricultural advisors to support interactive innovation.

Therefore, this Summer School has been launched as a  fantastic opportunity for university teachers and students to familiarise themselves with interactive innovation skills.

The first Summer School event will take place on 25-29 July 2022 in MAICH, Chania, Crete, (Greece). Applications are open and we are looking for 20 applicants to participate this year.

Applicants to the i2connect Summer School should have some knowledge about innovation, agriculture, communication and/or facilitation and related topics. A good command of the English language is also considered necessary.

Summer School

Goal

The i2connect project is generating experiences, knowledge and tools that are also useful for education. In the Summer School, participants will have the opportunity to familiarise, share and contribute to the project’s achievements in supporting interactive/multiactor innovation.

Programme

Online

– June 2022 (date to be confirmed): online meeting (2 hours). Introduce concepts on innovation and communication theory

Summer School on site

– July 25, 2022: Arrival. Afternoon meeting (introduction to Summer School) and Reception

– July 26-28: Main part

– July 29 (morning): Course evaluation and departure

Online

Winter 2022 date to be confirmed: Follow-up Webinar (1.5 hours)

Key topics:

– Approaches to innovation typologies

– Systemic approaches – networks – bottom-up innovation

– Interactive innovation applied to agriculture and forestry

– Communication in interactive innovation – participatory methods

– Role of the advisor in the innovation process (the Spiral of Innovations and the Triangle of co-creation)

– Networking and facilitation

Participants will also benefit from the presence of experienced advisors with whom they will discuss real cases of interactive innovation and/or field visits (if applicable).

 

Summer School budget

Participants will have to cover their travel and accommodation costs (35 euros per night, including breakfast).

The Summer School will cover the expenses of the trainers, classrooms and training materials, as well as coffee-breaks and lunches for all participants.

 

Admissions

Selected candidates will be notified of their admission by 15 May 2022.