Empowering Women-Led Innovation: The FLIARA Community of Practice

Over 18 months (May 2024–December 2025), twenty women driving innovation in agriculture and rural areas across ten EU countries are central as Innovation Ambassadors in the FLIARA Community of Practice (CoP). This dynamic, EU-wide platform fosters collaboration both online and in person, with four key Networking Events in Ireland (July 2024), Slovenia (September 2024), Italy (January 2025), and Sweden (May 2025).

What is a CoP?

A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of people with a shared interest who collaborate and learn together to develop and apply their knowledge. It is structured around three key dimensions: domain, the shared interest or issue; community, the people involved who take on different roles and learn collectively; and practice, the processes and methods used to gain insights and create new knowledge.

The FLIARA CoP

Leveraging the power of social networks, the FLIARA CoP connects 20 Innovation Ambassadors with diverse stakeholders to enhance creative collaboration, share knowledge, and promote integrated policy development while breaking down silo mentalities (D1.1). The multi-actor approach forms a key part of the FLIARA CoP.

Figure 1. FLIARA CoP

FLIARA CoP Objectives

The dual purpose of The FLIARA CoP Network is to

• Develop a platform for multi-actor exchanges and

• Create the FLIARA Toolkit for knowledge transfer and learning.

More specific objectives are to:

• Design and implement the CoP, which will initiate a Campaign of Visibility to advance women-led rural and farming innovations.

• Facilitate multi-actor engagement via a series of four EU workshops with all relevant key stakeholders.

• Empower female innovators to take a central position as Innovation Ambassadors in the CoP Network.

• Develop a FLIARA Toolkit as a valuable source of information and knowledge.

FLIARA CoP Networking Events

The FLIARA CoP Networking Events are key platforms for knowledge exchange, showcasing innovative practices, and increasing visibility for women in agriculture and rural innovation. They bring together diverse stakeholders – Innovation Ambassadors, women innovators, policymakers, EU and National CAP Networks, LEADER/LAG representatives, FLIARA Consortium members and the Stakeholder Advisory Board – to foster collaboration, share best practices, and generate valuable insights for policy development and implementation. As a result, the CoP Network will also contribute to the FLIARA Toolkit, offering practical, user-centred resources to support ongoing innovation and impact.