Will Democratizing STI make future Agri Food Systems more equitable?

19 June 2024 - Will Democratizing STI make future Agri Food Systems more equitable?

Zoom: https://fao.zoom.us/j/93847900629 Passcode: 30948827

Agrifood interventions are influenced by underlying paradigms and visions of development, creating tensions around decision-making, governance, and direction of agrifood systems transformation. Decisions over investments in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) are influenced by different paradigms and broader understandings of development. These paradigms also shape governance and institutional arrangements, and perspectives and practices, of STI. Introducing a new collaborative initiative with FAO, this seminar will explore whether “democratizing” STI, through more inclusive, participative and equitable stakeholder involvement and contribute to equitable agrifood systems is possible. It will also consider what type of policies and interventions can contribute to more resilient, efficient, and sustainable outcomes for all.

• Peter Taylor is a renowned expert in international development. Currently the Acting Director at the Institute of Development Studies, Peter’s rich background in international development spans over 30 years.
• He is currently engaged in conducting comprehensive research and background study on democratizing STI for the forthcoming ATIO report which will be launched in 2025. 

The Agricultural Technology and Innovation Outlook (ATIO) initiative

The Agricultural Technology and Innovation Outlook (ATIO) initiative, launching in 2025, aims to enhance understanding of technology and innovation generation and uptake and factors shaping the technology frontier in agrifood systems. 

ATIO open-access knowledge base

Overall budget : $900,000 USD.

Funding Requirements : $750,000 USD.

Annual maintenance and background : $150,000 USD per year.

ATIO biennial report : $500,000 USD funded by FAO's regular programme of budget.

• It will be the most comprehensive global source of information on innovative solutions for Agrifood Systems Transformation.
• ATIO will include a knowledge/data base and a biennial publication providing insights into current trends and prospects for Agrifood System Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). 
• It will track STI progress globally and in LMICs, identify emerging technologies, and address regulatory, ethical, gender, and environmental issues, ensuring inclusivity in decision-making and investments.
• See also Introducing ATIO report 2022. 

Resource 

0905/2024 Knowledge democratization approaches for food systems transformation

Current narrow views of what constitutes evidence have left blind spots in food system decision-making. Yet, alternative ways of facilitating the production and exchange of transdisciplinary knowledge enable key lessons for more equitable and informed policy processes.