What is the FLIARA Community of Practice (CoP)?
FLIARA’s CoP focuses on empowering women innovators in rural and farming sectors by providing a space to connect, learn, and advocate for their initiatives. This article provides an overview of the CoP’s key concepts and objectives within FLIARA.
A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group formed by people with a shared interest who come together to learn and grow in their field of interest. Within the FLIARA project, the CoP serves as a powerful tool to foster collaboration, innovation, and collective knowledge, specifically within the fields of agriculture and sustainable rural development led by women.
 What is a CoP?
The concept of a CoP revolves around three main dimensions – Â domain, community, and practice:
- Domain: This is the common area of interest or concern that brings members together. In FLIARA, this shared focus is women-led innovation in agriculture and rural areas. The domain can evolve over time as members explore new topics or challenges.
- Community: This includes the people who are part of the CoP, each bringing unique insights and expertise. FLIARA’s CoP involves women leading innovation in agriculture, alongside the Project Consortium and key stakeholders, creating a network where members can learn from each other.
- Practice: Practice refers to the methods and activities through which members learn together. This could involve sharing best practices, workshops, or using toolkits that guide collective learning.
The FLIARA CoP includes a wide range of participants to encourage diverse perspectives.
FLIARA’s CoP Goals and Purpose
The FLIARA project has developed a CoP with specific goals in mind. Its primary objectives include:
- Creating a Knowledge Exchange Platform: By bringing together women innovators and key stakeholders, FLIARA’s CoP facilitates discussions and learning that strengthens members’ skills.
- Developing a Toolkit for Knowledge Transfer: This toolkit contains resources, best practices, and methods to help members apply their learnings in practical ways. It’s designed to help rural women and innovators boost their visibility and support systems.
The FLIARA CoP is focused on empowering female innovators, providing them with tools and resources, and giving them a voice in policy discussions, with the long-term goal of influencing sustainable farming and rural development practices.
How FLIARA’s CoP Supports Female Innovators
The FLIARA CoP is designed to bring diverse participants together, helping women leaders share their experiences, address challenges, and find solutions collaboratively. 20 women in the CoP have taken on the roles of “FLIARA Innovation Ambassador,” becoming advocates for women-led innovation. Through this role, they share their insights and experiences, serving as role models and inspirations for other women in agriculture.
The CoP also aims to create new opportunities for members to influence policy by connecting with policymakers and participating in policy dialogues. This is part of FLIARA’s broader mission to improve the innovation ecosystem for women in agriculture and rural areas, making it more inclusive and supportive.
Building the CoP Network
Over a 24-month period (January 2024 – December 2025), the FLIARA CoP brings together 20 women leading innovation across Europe in agriculture and rural development. These leaders engage in activities designed to foster trust, encourage open discussions, and build networks. By creating a space for members to openly discuss their dreams, challenges, and needs, FLIARA establishes a robust community where all members feel valued and supported.
The CoP, while supported by FLIARA, also has the potential to grow and continue beyond the project’s duration, setting an example of sustainable collaboration for future initiatives.
The Broader Impact of FLIARA’s CoP
The FLIARA CoP is more than just a network—it’s a step toward reshaping how Europe approaches female-led innovation in agriculture and rural areas. By advocating for women’s voices and building a toolkit of resources, FLIARA’s CoP helps create a supportive and innovative ecosystem where women can lead, inspire, and thrive. This approach will not only empower current members but also pave the way for future innovators.