Research, innovation and digitalization to advance the competitiveness of European agriculture and ensuring food security. The conference of Poland EU presidency in cooperation with European Commission, Standing Committee on Agricultural Research and BIOEAST Initiative.

High-level R&I conference will be the platform for discussing strengthening green and digital transformation of the agri-food system as well as circular bioeconomy in the Central and Eastern European region and the whole EU.

Research, innovation and digitalization are key enablers in increasing the sustainable competitiveness, in setting transition pathways towards sustainability and ensuring long-term food security. They are crucial in developing new technologies and innovative solutions and the main response to structural, climate and geopolitical challenges. This approach  requires support for good cooperation between practice, science and public administration. Transnational and macro-regional cooperation can significantly accelerate progress and add substantial value in achieving sustainable agri-food systems in Europe. Fostering cooperation will help to build lasting foundations for the development of the food systems economy: diversified, resistant to crises, and based on sustainable supply chains and overall competitiveness.

This high-level conference acts as a pivotal science-policy platform in the context of the new European Commission's vision for agriculture and food, as well as life sciences, and bioeconomy strategies. The aim is to address the key challenges in sustainable agri-food systems, digital and green transformation of the agri-food sector and bioeconomy development in the BIOEAST and CEE regions, and across the EU.

The conference will highlight the direction of policy-science-practice collaboration in building a future strategic approach for R&I on food systems. Discussions will leverage digitalization for agricultural advancement, promote healthy soils, and create a foundation for resilient bioeconomy sectors. The event will help further strengthen the science policy interface for improved food systems governance, bioeconomy deployment and the green and digital transitions of the agri-food sector.

The Presidency event will be an opportunity to provide knowledge exchange at Member State and EU level on the role of research and innovation in the challenges of green and digital transformation of the agri-food sector and circular bioeconomy. The event will be a space for presenting scientific achievements, as well as exchanging practical ideas and innovative solutions in the agri-food sector.

The event will continue the thematic discussions initiated during the Hungarian Presidency. It will focus specifically on critical areas such as water and soil management, sustainable food systems, and bioeconomy deployment. It aims to foster cooperation among EU and CEE countries, promoting a cohesive European Research Area and enhancing scientific collaboration between academia, policymakers, and practitioners at EU level.

Ultimately, the event aims to amplify Europe's needs in innovation and sustainability, aligning research and innovation priorities at national, regional - Central and Eastern European as well as EU levels.  This alignment will inform future EU policies and strategic frameworks, including the next Framework Program 2028-2035. The event will contribute to the key Action of  the Vision for Agriculture and Food: a new EU strategic approach to R&I to improve the competitiveness of agriculture, forestry and rural areas. Key initiatives to be featured include Food2030, preparation Bioeconomy Strategy update, Horizon Europe Partnerships and Mission "A Soil Deal for Europe" (Mission Soil), SCAR and the BIOEAST  Initiative's future actions.

Safeguarding a resilient and competitive agricultural sector to maintain a stable food supply within the Union does require new approaches. Biomass security should be integrated into the broader EU security agenda. Biomass availability for food, industry and energy uses requires systemic thinking and is crucial for the future of European security and strategic autonomy.