Fostering human capital for innovation

A master’s course was developed by the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari) and the University of Bari in collaboration with the Mediterranean Innovation Partnership (MIP) and the technical support of several private sector players, entitled “Open innovation and youth entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean agrifood sector”. It is designed to empower younger generations and improve their employability opportunities by promoting their active involvement in the economic development of the region. The course aims to train a new generation of innovation managers to: enhance entrepreneurial culture; contribute to the design, development, and implementation of innovative projects within existing enterprises and organizations; launch new business initiatives (start-ups); and provide consultancy services to promote knowledge transfer through innovation brokering. By applying a new mindset and new methodological approaches (such as design thinking and lean start-up), students are accompanied through the creation, prototype development, and enhancement of innovative entrepreneurship ideas (new products/services, adoption of new production processes, development of new markets) in the agrifood field, from the production chain to food consumption, health aspects and the circular economy. Training focuses on both technological innovation and social innovation and is based on a learning-by-doing approach, with strong interactions with start-ups and businesses.

FAO, CIHEAM, PRIMA Foundation and UfM. 2023. Sustainable agrifood systems in the Mediterranean – Levers for transformation. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc8220en

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