The Polish Innovation Network (SIR) is a thematic network supporting the implementation of innovative solutions in agriculture, forestry, the food industry and rural areas.

The Network started in 2015 under the Rural Development Programme for 2014-2020. From the outset it has been coordinated by the Agricultural Advisory Centre in Brwinów (CDR) and its work is carried out through cooperation with the 16 regional agricultural advisory centres that make up the public advisory system in Poland. The majority of the over 3600 agricultural advisors licensed in Poland work as part of the public advisory system.

The Innovation Network’s mission is to:

• facilitate contacts between farmers, advisory units, research centres, entrepreneurs in the agri-food sector and other entities supporting the implementation of innovations in agriculture and rural areas
• assist in the creation of EIP operational groups and in the preparation and implementation of EIP operational group projects
• facilitate the transfer of knowledge, know-how and good practice on innovation in agriculture and rural areas
• strength the potential of the existing EIP operational groups, in particular by networking them at the national and international level, supporting their participation in national and European projects and programmes, encouraging their involvement in multisectoral projects, and the promotion of these groups

Tens of thousands of attendees have participated in Network events and projects at national and regional levels over the past 8 years. To achieve its objectives, the Network organises conferences, training sessions, workshops, study visits and thematic projects.

 

EIP Operational Groups

Through its innovation brokers the Polish Innovation Network provides support for the implementation of the „Cooperation” (EIP approach) measure funded by the Rural Development Programme for 2014-2020. 

This was the first activity of its kind to encourage implementation of innovation in agriculture through the effective collaboration of scientists with farmer, entrepreneurs and advisory units that become part of the European Innovation Partnership (EIP-AGRI).

The National Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy for 2023-2027 offers Polish farmers, entrepreneurs and advisory units, in addition to the well-known, from previous financial periods, mechanisms of subsiding their activities and development investments, the possibility of help under Intervention 13.5. "Cooperation of EIP Operational Groups", which provides for an allocation of EUR 168,950,000.00.

Thanks to this intervention, it is possible to finance the establishment of Operational Groups of the European Innovation Partnership for Efficient and Sustainable Agriculture (OG) and to develop and implement innovative projects as a part of the activity of these groups, with priority consideration of the needs of farmers, combining various partners with relevant knowledge in complementary fields and based on an interactive and adaptive model of innovation.

The Polish Innovation Network manages a data base of over 350 Polish EIP operational groups.