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ARCH SWG - R&I ANALYSIS REPORT 

ARCH RI ANALYSIS REPORT may 2025Achievements of EU Research, Innovation and Development projects in the last 10 years to address the global challenge of agriculture transformation 

As part of RefreSCAR Project aim to improve the coordination of national and European bioeconomy research and innovation programmes within the European Research Area (ERA), the SCAR Strategic Working Group on European Agricultural Research towards greater impact on Global Challenges (SWG ARCH) commissioned a Portfolio Analysis (PA) to evaluate the achievements of European Union (EU) funded research, innovation, and development projects aimed at transforming the agri-food systems towards sustainability in low and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Through a structured evaluation of EU-funded projects over the past decade, the PA delivers a comprehensive and strategic overview that captures the strengths, weaknesses, needs, and gaps identified across these initiatives.

At the end of the three-phase process, the PA delivers an in-depth analysis of 15 selected projects, evaluating their activities, results, achievements, research advancements, and current impact on transforming agri-food systems beyond the EU.

The 15 projects were categorised into four thematic clusters that were extensively analysed: 

  • Cluster 1: Sustainable intensification of agri-food systems; 
  • Cluster 2: Agri-food systems for nutrition and healthy lives; 
  • Cluster 3: Multisectoral approaches (food security, nutrition, social aspects, water management), including expansion and improvement of agri-markets and trade; 
  • Cluster 4: Knowledge systems, policy, and decision-making. 

The PA revealed key weaknesses, gaps, and needs, highlighting the main lessons to be learned. The identified needs emphasise the importance of enhanced policy alignment, stronger local market development, and more effective integration of digital solutions. 

In the end, the PA provided strategic insights for shaping future EU agriculture R&I programmes, emphasising the importance of international partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy support for sustainable agri-food system transformation. The recommendations formulated as a result of the PA could guide the next round of financing and the development of impactful, globally relevant research and innovation initiatives. 

📄 Read the Report here.