This evaluative study examines selected instruments of the EU research programs Horizon 2020, Hori-zon Europe, and Mission Soil that aim to promote interactive innovation. The study focuses on five instruments implemented under these programs: Multi-Actor Partnerships (MAP), Thematic Networks (TN), Advisory Networks (AN), Living Labs (LL), and Lighthouses (LH). The overall objective of the eval-uation is to assess to what extent these instruments have supported the adoption, use and diffusion of innovations by actors in agriculture, forestry, and rural areas. Using a mix of qualitative and quanti-tative methods as well as a case study approach, the evaluation analyses Horizon projects in relevant sectors that started between 2014 and 2024 and implemented one of the five instruments.
Apart from innovation, the evaluation examines the added value of the instruments in terms of stake-holder engagement, co-creation of innovations, and the alignment of innovative solutions with the needs and interests of end users. The evaluation also looks at the interaction and synergies among projects and accompanying Horizon instruments such as the European Innovation Council (EIC). An-other key question addresses external coherence, exploring how the instruments interact with and complement other EU instruments and policies. Cost-effectiveness is also a central element of the analysis.
The project is carried out by an international consortium consisting of Aide à la Décision Économique (ADE) and the Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l'Analisi dell'Economia Agraria (CREA). The Insti-tute for Rural Development Research (IfLS) holds overall responsibility for the content and implemen-tation of the evaluation. It is conducted as a commissioned project under the framework contract for “Analytical services on knowledge and skills of farmers, social and societal aspects of agriculture and rural areas” (AGRI/2023/OP/0003) of the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI).