b"CULTIVATINGCOMMON GROUNDPLANTS FOR THE FUTURE EUROPEAN TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMBY: VALERIJA VOLII n the ever-evolving landscape of agri- Biology and Physiology took her to variouswhich addresses the current and future skill culture, the flow of innovation frominternational research destinations whereneeds for sustainability, digitalization, and research to the market is crucial forshe specialized in understanding plantthe bioeconomy in agriculture. sustainable and thriving agricultural sys- responses to environmental stressand tems. Enter Plants for the Future ETPother types of non-plant-related stress. SheA THRIVING RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT(Plant ETP), a multi-stakeholder platformhas a clear understanding of the importanceIf education is the lifeblood, research is the that stands at the forefront of promotingof academic rigour, and she also realizesbackbone of progress, and Plant ETP plays innovation in the plant sector. From fun- that there is at times a very big gap betweena pivotal role in promoting research for the damental research to crop production andacademia and its real-world counterparts.benefit of society. Its Research Action Plan distribution, Plant ETP represents a diverseAnd it is this background that is helpingoutlines key areas where immediate action array of stakeholders, including academia,her to manage the sometimes very diverseis needed to enable the plant sector to con-industry, and the farming community. Theaspects of the platform. The realization oftribute to the EU Green Deal goals. By mission is simple yet profound: to unitethe gap contributes to her passion to guidefocusing on sustainable plant production, these stakeholders in shaping the futurethe members and partners of the platformimproved quality of food, feed, and biobased of the plant sector, advocating for researchtoward a common goal.raw materials, and a vibrant research envi-and innovation, and, most importantly,ronment, it ensures that European research connecting the dots between science, agri- addresses not only current challenges but culture, and policy at the EU level.FAR TOO OFTEN WE HEARalso future needs through both basic and Plant ETP is one of many EuropeanABOUT THE IMPORTANCEapplied research. Even though research Technology Platformsentities created atneeds to provide solutions for current chal-the request of the European Commission toOF SCIENCE-BASEDlenges, the platform also helps researchers support its ambition of creating a EuropeanDECISION-MAKING ANDunderstand the complex interdependencies Research Area (ERA) and stimulating pri- INNOVATION-FRIENDLYrelated to agricultural systems, value chains vate investment in research and public-pri- POLICIES; FAR TOO RARELYand the impact of policy in order to tackle vate partnerships, as part of the Lisbonwhat the future might bring.strategy and the Barcelona objective. TheseDO WE SEE THAT UNFOLDEurope has very high scientific excel-platforms were established to develop andON THE GROUND. lence that can significantly contribute to execute a strategic research agenda (SRA)more sustainable agricultural systems. that aligns research priorities within spe- Scientists, through their pursuit of research, cific technological areas. Although they doaim to create a meaningful impact on not have dedicated funding, ETPs serve asNURTURING THE NEXT GENERATIONsociety. However, they may occasionally coordination and advisory structures, assist- OF INNOVATORS encounter challenges related to resources, ing in shaping the research agendas at theThe importance of education in the plantentrepreneurial skills, or networks, which European level. These platforms addresssector cannot be overstated. It is the life- hinder the transformation of their find-complex technological challenges with theblood that ensures the sector's continuedings into practical products or services for aim of enhancing European industrial com- growth and adaptation to the changingthe market. To support this, the platform petitiveness and economic growth. Today,world. The next generation of profession- brings out the big gunsmultidisciplinary there are 38 active ETPs in various sectors,als, whether they are plant scientists, breed- research and systems thinkingto address including bio-based economy, energy, envi- ers, farmers, processors, or others, needs anot only environmental but also socio-eco-ronment, ICT, production and processes,unique blend of knowledge, entrepreneur- nomic challenges. This approach creates a and transport. These platforms remainship and adaptability. This diverse skillsetvibrant research environment that bridges autonomous and self-financing, contrib- is essential to respond to rapidly changingthe gap between life and social sciences. uting to the advancement of research andenvironments, evolving consumer prefer- It is exactly such an environment that is innovation agendas in Europe. ences and shifting political frameworks.needed if we want to get closer to the goals One of the platforms biggest assetsPlant ETP recognizes this and is commit- of the EU Green Deal. The plant sector has is perhaps not the objectives, goals, orted to promoting education, training andan important role to play and Plant ETPs missions, but the people who push thoseknowledge-sharing in the plant sector.Research Action Plan outlines key research forward, such as the members or AmritThrough initiatives like the Educationareas to exploit the power of plants in a Nanda, the Executive Manager of PlantAction Plan, the platform is helping toclever and efficient manner. These research ETP, who has been the force behind thebuild a sustainable workforce for the future.areas include increasing sustainable plant platform since 2020, says Csar Gonzlez,Plant ETP's commitment to educationproduction and yield by improving resource as Chair of the Board of Directors of Plantgoes beyond words. It is a partner in theuse efficiency, yield stability, resilience to ETP. Amrits Ph.D. in Plant MolecularEU-funded Erasmus+ FIELDS project,dynamic environments, and plant health; EUROPEAN-SEED.COMISEED WORLD EUROPE I 33"