Several exposed missions and objectives - Defining research objectives

1. THE ROLE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN NETWORKS OF COOPERATIVE RESEARCH IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION IN FAVOR OF INNOVATION Situation and outlooks for the future Jean-Paul DUBEUF*, Jean BOYAZOGLU** *INRA -SAD, LRDE, F-20250 Corte - dubeuf@corte.inra.fr **F - 06500 Menton - jean.boyazoglu@wanadoo.fr A description and an analyse of the rôle of the 2 main permanent networks involved in animal production based on : - a long time participating observation of their organization and activity - a comparison between their constitutions and declared objectives with their real activities The networks : EAAP Mediterranean group and FAO/CIHEAM Networks (sheep and goats, Mediterranean pig, local rabbit breeds, Mediterranean pasture)‏ - The formal support of several international institutions (FAO, CIHEAM, EAAP, etc...)‏ - A voluntary and permanent participation of several hundreds scientist, 60 national institutions, 35 countries - Many thematic publications and symposiums - Personal enthusiasm of scientific leaders with global visions but close relations to local roots • A real and permanent dynamism of networking in Mediterranean animal production for more than 30 years thanks toIdentified needs to develop consultancy and dialogue in the Mediterranean : • -Specific challenges on range land extensive systems (for small ruminants, pigs, cows)‏ • -A lack of coordination between research, professional organisation, administrations • -High geo - strategic stakes: demography and overpopulation near the sea, desertification elsewhere aridity and management of water resources A gap between the objectives and realisations Several exposed missions and objectives - Defining research objectives - Organising dialogue between the actors - An activity presented as a connexion between Research and Development - Consultancy for decision making - Information for all users The real activities - Symposiums, seminars and other meetings, the main chance to meet and to interact collectively; - Facilitating Cooperative Research projects - Frequent but sporadic participation of stakeholders - Non permanent information services and activities, Why this gap? The recent changes -Few real evaluation nor real institutional steering with a danger of auto legitimacy. -More specialized profiles of the scientists -Less institutional involvement and no significant target financial support To favour innovation, new forms of organizations between the stakeholders (administration, industry, researchers and technicians) are needed (theoretic background)‏ A DISCUSSION TO OPEN : CAN THESE NETWORKS BE A CONTRIBUTION TO BUILD THESE NEW ORGANISATIONS AND HOW?