The future of R&I as driver of agrifood systems transformation and sustainability transitions: Perspectives from Latin America and the Caribbean

The DeSIRA Perspective Briefs present lessons learned by the community of implementers of the EC-funded DeSIRA Initiative and their views on the future of research & innovation (R&I) as drivers of agrifood system transformation and sustainability transitions in their respective regions. By distilling key lessons from DeSIRA’s successes and challenges, these perspectives offer actionable insights in agricultural innovation systems for innovation stakeholders, decisionmakers, policy actors, and investors. Each perspective brief focuses on a specific region where the DeSIRA Initiative was deployed (Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia-Pacific). This brief synthesizes key outcomes and recommendations from DeSIRA projects, focusing on conceptual shifts, multistakeholder approaches, the evolving role of science and research, adaptive management, sustainability transitions, capacity building, and policy influence. It also offers some insights on future directions for research and innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

The DeSIRA initiative has catalyzed a shift from linear value chains to interconnected value networks, recognizing the complex web of relationships in agricultural systems. It has standardized multi-actor and multi-level collaborations for R&I, bringing together diverse stakeholders from farmers to policymakers. The role of researchers has diversified, adding to that of knowledge producers and external experts, the role of facilitators of co-learning processes, fostering more inclusive and participatory approaches to agricultural innovation. A key focus has been on sustainability and agroecological transitions, with increased emphasis on incorporating bioeconomy principles and agroecological practices. Capacity building of all stakeholders has emerged as a crucial component, particularly in strengthening functional capacities for innovation and improving communication skills for policy advocacy. The initiative has also demonstrated significant potential for evidence-based policy influence, with several projects contributing to tangible policy changes. Looking forward, the brief recommends that future initiatives based on R&I efforts (1) adopt long-term, territorial approaches to agricultural development, (2) reinforce inclusiveness in innovation approaches with the integration of the diversity of stakeholders’ perspectives, (3) integrate economic considerations into project designs, (4) enhance communication and knowledge sharing, (5) strengthen capacity building efforts, (6) foster multi-stakeholder collaboration, and (7) promote adaptive management practices.