The 4th Transnational Project Meeting brought together Agrinext project partners for a fruitful collaboration hosted by Veleučilište U Karlovcu in Karlovac, Croatia. On this occasion, also the project officer Mrs Sibylle Lacave on behalf of the European Commission joined virtually, gave precious recommendations, and encouraged partners.

After a productive 18 months and the first project review, we celebrated the successful implementation of all planned project activities. Partners engaged in lively discussions about future endeavors, contributing valuable insights to shape the path ahead.

There are lots of ongoing activities dedicated to the Guidance Service Models analysis and upgrading existing/establishing new models of guidance service, which will include training opportunities of the job market, that are related to new, rapidly changing job market demand, more training opportunities (formal to non-formal) and more individualized, learner-centered approach, according to learners’ preferences, abilities, and job market demands.

Furthermore, the Database of existing lifelong learning opportunities in the field of Multifunctional Agriculture, presenting a compilation of training and learning opportunities, was developed and offers results in consortium countries (Slovenia, Spain, Croatia, and Ireland). 

The next fundamental step is the development of the AgriNext IT platform which aims to virtually connect Incubators, providing access to all the developed materials from previous project work packages, enhancing communication and data sharing, enabling interactions and network creation, and promoting multifunctional agricultural sector and life-long learning. The development of the IT platform is scheduled in WP5, signifying an important milestone in our Agri Next project. Partners already set the Platform wireframe and will now continue with the content development.

In December 2023, the activity for the establishment of Business incubators for Rural Excellence has started. The next half-year will be dedicated to the research and analysis of existing, well-working incubators. This will enable us to collect a set of case studies of existing, well-operating business incubators.  Based on the findings we will then define methodology and minimum standards. From there we will prepare a summary report that will allow us to set minimal standards for the incubator. Business incubators for Rural Excellence will be established and will provide a common space to allow students, teachers, trainers, employers, research institutions, NGOs and other participants to exchange their MA skills and competencies closely related to green skills, for example, precision and smart farming methods.

After closing the official project meeting, partners had the unique opportunity to visit the local Pa-Vita Dairy Farm, witnessing the fascinating robotic milk production process firsthand and visiting magic Zagreb.

On the second day, our hosts at VUKA treated us to an enlightening guided tour, unveiling the wonders of University Laboratories and Brewery, as well as Dairy production.

Our next all-hands meeting will be held in Strahinj, Slovenia in June 2024, and will be hosted by project coordinator BC Naklo.