Synergy Days 2025

By Sjaak Wolfert, SmartAgriHubs Community

This session focuses on building sustainable digital innovation ecosystems in the agri-food sector by reducing fragmentation and improving coordination among EU and national projects, European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), and stakeholders. It explores how policy, academia, clusters, SMEs, and innovation hubs can align efforts to support effective resource use and ecosystem development. Through two panels, one on policy and academic insights, and another on practical responses from clusters and EDIHs, the session aims to identify strategies and successful practices that foster collaboration and long-term impact in agri-food digitalisation.

A list of speakers will be announced soon, but we will feature a diverse panel of high-level speakers who are shaping the future of digital innovation in the agri-food sector. Expected contributors include EU policy and strategy leaders from DG AGRI, DG CONNECT, or EISMEA, who will provide insights into the European vision for digital transformation. Joining them are experienced coordinators of successful European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), particularly those active in agri-food, who will share practical lessons from the field. Academic experts specializing in innovation ecosystems and agri-tech strategy will offer research-based perspectives, while regional cluster leaders will highlight how local initiatives are driving systemic change. The session will also spotlight SME and startup innovators who have directly benefited from EDIH support, bringing real-world impact stories to the discussion.

Lunch will be served in the exhibition area where you can engage with the projects and other participants to create synergies.

This session explores how professionalisation in European agriculture can accelerate digitalisation by enhancing skills, organisational capacity, and trust in data governance. It highlights the role of stakeholders - policy-makers, advisors, tech providers, and farmers - in supporting continuous learning, ethical data use, and collaboration. Set within the context of EU policies like the CAP and Green Deal, the discussion aims to identify gaps and share best practices to ensure inclusive, human-centred digital transformation in the agri-food sector.

Moderator: 

Jürgen Vangeyte, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture Fisheries and Food (ILVO)

Invited speakers:

• Koen Mondelaers, European Commision - DG AGRI (to be confirmed)
• Peter Meedendorp, European Council of Young Farmers (CEJA) (to be confirmed)
• Ivo Hostens, European Agricultural Machinery Association (CEMA)

By Sjaak Wolfert, SmartAgriHubs Community

This session will explore how Europe can pool its digital resources to enhance competitiveness in the global agri-food landscape. How can we align regional innovation with the EU’s strategic vision? What role can institutions like WUR and FAO play in scaling impact beyond borders? And how can Europe position itself as a global leader in sustainable, digitally-enabled agriculture? What will be the role of the AgData partnership?

Moderator:

• Prof. Dr. Joost de Laat, Director, Social Sciences Group, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands

Invited Speakers:

• Christophe Hansen, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food (to be confirmed)
• Femke Wiersma, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature (LVVN) (to be confirmed)
• Sjoukje Heimovaara, President, Wageningen University & Research
• Jesper Stendal Sørensen, AgData Partnership (to be confirmed)
• Representative from FAO, Food and Agriculture Organization (to be confirmed)

Lunch will be served in the exhibition area where you can engage with the projects and other participants to create synergies.

This session explores how digital technologies - Data Spaces, Digital Twins, and Artificial Intelligence - are transforming agriculture. It emphasises the importance of cross-domain collaboration and integrating insights from diverse fields to create innovative, effective solutions. Beyond technology, the session highlights the vital role of people, farmers, researchers, and communities, in driving meaningful digital change. By adopting a holistic approach, the discussion aims to demonstrate how these advancements can boost productivity, support sustainability, and build a resilient agricultural ecosystem. The objective is to provide practical insights that align technological innovation with real-world agricultural needs and stakeholder engagement.

Moderator:

·      Harald Sundmaeker, Institute for Applied System Technologies (ATB Bremen)

Invited speakers:

• ·      Anneleen de Visscher, Coordinator of the Common European Agricultural Data Space (CEADS)
• ·      Francesco Iadecola, European Commission, Research Programme Officer, DG-AGRI
• ·      Dolores Ordóñez, Coordinator of the Common European Data Space for Tourism (DEPLOYTOUR) 
• ·      Slawi Stesny, Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation (AEF)

This dynamic session unpacks pivotal strategies that propel women into the forefront of agri-tech. We explore how to shatter barriers by improving access to vital funding, robust mentorship, and cutting-edge technology. The conversation sparks innovative solutions, highlighting the critical need to cultivate inclusive ecosystems. We celebrate inspiring success stories, showcasing tangible ways women entrepreneurs are revolutionizing agriculture and driving sustainable growth.