As the FLIARA project approaches the conclusion of its second year, we take a moment to reflect on our progress and share updates on the ongoing benchmarking activities that are integral to achieving our mission. Following up on the insights shared in our July newsletter, we’re excited to provide a deeper dive into the development of our Initial Benchmarking Report and how it contributes to fostering women-led sustainable innovation in agriculture and rural areas.
What is Policy Benchmarking and Why is it Crucial for FLIARA?
According to the EC’s 100 Words For Equality, benchmarking can be defined as: “the establishment of criterion, standard or reference point against which to establish targets and measure progress.” While it may sound technical, policy benchmarking holds transformative potential.
For FLIARA, policy benchmarking allows us to assess successful initiatives from various regions and sectors, adapt them to local contexts, and ensure alignment with sustainability and gender equality objectives. It enables evidence-based recommendations to empower women innovators, foster sustainable practices, and drive rural development across the EU.
The FLIARA Benchmarking Process
Our benchmarking activities are designed to capture the complexities of rural and farming innovation landscapes, with a particular focus on the unique challenges faced by women innovators.
- Inventory of Policies and Frameworks (WP1)
Led by the University of Galway, the first phase involved a comprehensive assessment of rural and farming policy and legal frameworks across the 10 FLIARA partner countries. This effort resulted in a substantial inventory of relevant policies, which formed the basis for the Initial Guidelines for Policy Benchmarking (D1.5).
- Developing the Initial Benchmarking Report (WP4)
Building on the policy inventory, the next phase has focused on applying the guidelines to produce the Initial Benchmarking Report (D4.3). This deliverable incorporates findings from policy assessments, targeted analyses of case studies, and discussions from FLIARA’s Community of Practice (CoP) events.
Insights from the Multi-Actor Approach
The FLIARA benchmarking process stands out for its commitment to inclusivity. The project brought together women innovators, policymakers, researchers, and rural development stakeholders by adopting a multi-actor approach. During CoP events, these groups shared insights and engaged in dialogue about:
- Gaps in public policies encountered by women innovators.
- Opportunities and best practices currently supporting innovation.
- Aspirations for future policies to better address their needs.
This direct exchange has been instrumental in identifying potential benchmarks derived from promising practices and pinpointing critical issues to tackle in future policies.
Next Steps
While the Initial Benchmarking Report (D4.3) represents a significant milestone, the journey doesn’t end here. The findings will inform the upcoming Final Gender Benchmarking Report (D5.3), which will refine these insights and integrate additional activities to ensure a robust and actionable policy framework.
Looking Ahead
As we transition into the third year of FLIARA, the project remains committed to bridging the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that women innovators in agriculture and rural areas are supported with the tools, resources, and recognition they deserve.
Interested in learning more about our benchmarking process or contributing to the discussion? Follow our updates and get involved through our website and social media channels!