Strengthening Advisory Competences Across Europe: EU4Advice Curriculum Development Presented to International Experts

An article by Campden Bri

The EU4Advice project recently had the opportunity to present its emerging training curriculum at the International System Dynamics and Innovation in Food Networks Conference, where a diverse audience of international and local experts was invited to review and discuss the proposed learning framework. The session introduced the curriculum’s structure, themes, and sub‑modules, while also outlining the project’s overarching goal: to develop high‑quality, evidence‑based training that strengthens advisory services across Europe.

Participants expressed strong interest in the topic and acknowledged the growing importance of professionalised advisory competences in the agricultural and rural innovation ecosystem. At the same time, many pointed to a common challenge across Europe: micro‑credential training formats are not yet fully standardised, which creates uncertainty for organisations that would like to adopt or implement them. This feedback is highly valuable for EU4Advice as it continues refining a curriculum that is both innovative and feasible for real‑world use.

A Curriculum Built on Evidence and Co‑Creation

The presentation highlighted EU4Advice’s systematic and collaborative approach to curriculum development. The process combines:

Needs assessment, ensuring the training responds to real gaps in advisory practice

Stakeholder involvement, integrating insights from advisors, farmers, researchers, and policy actors

Iterative testing and refinement, allowing the content to be continuously improved

Clear learning outcomes, ensuring the materials are practical, relevant, and user‑centred

What resonated strongly with the audience was the project’s ability to bridge high‑level EU ambitions with practical tools and methods for advisors working on the ground.

Cross‑Border Cooperation as a Strength

One of the most appreciated aspects of the presentation was the emphasis on collaboration across the EU4Advice partnership. By involving institutions from multiple countries and regions, the curriculum reflects a broad spectrum of experiences, challenges, and best practices. This shared European perspective supports more harmonised advisory competences, while still allowing regional adaptation.

The curriculum also integrates digital tools, innovative pedagogical methods, and interactive learning formats, showing the project’s commitment to modern, accessible training. Approaches such as hackathons, gamification, and Fresk‑type workshops were highlighted as ways to increase engagement and uptake across diverse learning environments.

Empowering Advisors, Strengthening Impact

The session concluded with an inspiring discussion about the broader impact of the curriculum. By strengthening skills such as facilitation, communication, soft skills, alternative agricultural practices, and marketing, the training aims to empower advisors to better support farmers and rural actors in navigating today’s complex challenges.

Feedback from the conference will directly feed into the next development steps, ensuring that the final modules are not only scientifically grounded but also practically relevant and easy to implement.

EU4Advice continues to move forward with renewed momentum – motivated by the engagement of the community and the shared ambition to build a stronger, more connected advisory landscape across Europe.