Description

Establishing and supporting specialist research institutes has proved to be an effective way of consolidating research work in a targeted manner. These institutes specialise in areas such as animal and plant breeding, soil science, agricultural machinery, crop storage and processing, food science and consumer protection, animal disease control, development and testing of fertilisers and pesticides, and nature conservation and environmental protection. They provide immediate assistance for problems with animal and plant diseases and nutrition, as well as for macroeconomic issues and offer young graduates the opportunity of in-depth research work in specialist fields after leaving university. They all have the task of supporting policy makers, public administration, commercial practice and scientific research at universities.
Specialist agricultural research institutes receive financial support from government departments, regional authorities, national and international research organisations and institutions. They also cooperate with private-sector research projects in the agri-food industry, agricultural machinery and the fertiliser and pesticide manufacturing industry, and with non-governmental organisations concerned with animal welfare, nature conservation and environmental protection.

Specialised research institutes in the agricultural and agri-food sectors need to be able to network effectively at the international level. If developing countries are unable to raise adequate resources for specialist research institutes in addition to supporting universities and colleges, they could benefit from cooperating with neighbouring countries with similar agricultural sectors or with organisations in industrialised countries.

Of particular importance in the global network of agricultural research institutes in both developing and industrialised countries is the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, a global partnership that unites international organisations engaged in research in the agri-food sector.

Requirements

• Clear and coherent political strategy and targets for policy-makers and public authorities
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with local advisory services
• Close cooperation and knowledge sharing with research institutions
• Dialogue with private sector and (civil) society on study content and research priorities to ensure their practical relevance
• International networking / exchange between universities and colleges
• Investments in country-wide educational infrastructure in proximity to students
• Long-term funding needs to be safeguarded
• Skilled / specialised personnel to man the respective institutions / provide the respective services

Possible Negative Effects

• Too much emphasis on basic research and therefore loss of practical relevance