National Council for Agricultural Research
P.O.Box 20401
2500 EK Den Haag
The Netherlands
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internet: http://www.agro.nl/nrlo/
ISBN: 90 - 5059 - 097 - 7
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Annex 1: NRLO documents

Phase 2: Strengths/weaknesses analysis

Phase 3: Focal points for actions

Annex 2: Key points per S&T area

1. Sensor and microsystem technology

• Sensor and microsystem technology necessary as tool for intelligent process control, e.g. for "dedicated" production systems.
• Breakthroughs possible through integration of knowledge from different research fields, such as materials technology, biotechnology and process technology.

1.2. Strengths and weaknesses

	Score	Strong	Weak
Resource position	+/-	Limited number of large fundamental groups.	Limited extent of applied research.
System characteristics	+/-	Small but strong sensor network (STW, NOVEM).	Gulf between research schools and agricultural institutes.
Scientific quality	+	Internationally leading centres for fundamental research.
Usability	-/+	Great need for sensors and microsystems.	Limited applications due to many barriers.

1.3. Actions

Action 1. Form new consortia

To create the necessary innovation processes in this field, businesses and research institutes in the agricultural circuit must begin cooperating with DIMES and MESA research schools. This requires a "third" party, which formulates project proposals and carries out the project management. The role of this "third" party can be played by existing bodies (e.g. STW, NOVEM, Senter, NRLO).

Action 2. Initiate a "Dedicated Technology" foresight study

Sensor and microsystem technology as necessary tools for modern (intelligent) process regulation need to be included in a foresight study into the possibilities of "dedicated technology" (or "Advanced Manufacturing Technology") for the agricultural sector. Relevant parties (industry, knowledge institutes and public authorities) must be involved here.

Action 3. Develop a few concrete case studies

A few case studies also need to be initiated in which fundamental and applied researchers can demonstrate the potential of sensors. IOP precision technology and a STW regulation on "embedded software and systems", both of which are in preparation, appear to offer possibilities for the necessary government support. It is proposed that this process be initiated by bringing representatives of agricultural research (ATO-DLO, IMAG-DLO, TNO-Food), university research (DIMES, MESA) and a specialised developer around the table.

2. Intelligent data processing and process control

• Integrate extensive data flows and use them for dynamic process control.
• Scientific breakthroughs likely in the area of self-learning systems, partly on the basis of neural networks and fuzzy logic.

2.2. Strengths and weaknesses

	Score	Strong	Weak
Resource position	+/-	Large capacity in fundamental research.	The capacity in the agro-knowledge system is limited.
System characteristics	+/-	Several networks are developing within fundamental research.	Hardly any networks between fundamental and applied research and industry. Research fairly inaccessible.
Scientific quality	+/-	Fundamental research very good.	Research very widespread over a broad field.
Usability	-	Application beginning in processing industry.	Few applications in primary sector and supply industry.

2.3. Actions

Action 1. Select a few strategic research fields and strengthen the international position of the research

The fundamental knowledge generation is spread over highly divergent fields and a multitude of small, mainly locally operating groups. Consideration needs to be given to selecting a number of research fields and acquiring a strong international knowledge position in them. For the agricultural sector, the integration of technical knowledge and knowledge of natural products is essential. Wageningen UR and STW could take a joint initiative for such a strategic discussion.

Action 2. Strengthen the network of universities, research institutes and industry

Knowledge often develops very locally and is poorly accessible. Research schools have improved the mutual interaction, but this needs to be strengthened further. Relations with industry also need to be reinforced. It is proposed that a platform be created where research and businesses can brainstorm on scientific developments in the entire field, and more specifically on applications in the agricultural sector. Articulate markets and market players and develop target group-specific activities. Opt for a broad, supra-sector approach. Wageningen UR, STW and industry could take a joint initiative to this effect.

Action 3. Design incentive schemes

Incentive schemes need to be designed which limit the risks for small and medium-sized businesses entering this field. LNV must examine whether a mechanism for stimulating innovation can be developed.

Action 4. Boost the quality of agricultural training geared to the design and control of processes

At various levels (MBO, HBO and university level) there is a need for strengthening the education and training geared to the intelligent control of processes. The integration of technical systems with a knowledge of natural products ("food knowledge") is essential. This applies both for training geared to the food industry and training aimed at the primary sector (including system suppliers). The available knowledge could be pooled in targeted programmes within Wageningen UR.

3. Nanotechnology

3.1. Dynamics and potential

• Nanotechnology is a fundamentally new development because different physical and chemical laws apply. A new paradigm requires a new way of thinking. Nanotechnology could lead to new structures and new functions.
• Nanotechnology can lead to new developments in biotechnology.
  • New applications in the years ahead in areas such as nanomaterials, nano-electronics, nano-instrumentation and molecular nanotechnology.

3.2. Actions

Actie 1. Strengthen the fundamental basis of nano-science in The Netherlands and develop applied research programmes

The non-traditional physical behaviour of nano-particles and structures in terms of electrical, magnetic, chemical and optical properties requires new ways of thinking and new approaches. Deepening the insight into nano-science demands a new collective fundamental research effort. NWO could be an important catalyst here, while STW can take initiatives to develop applied research.

Action 2. Create new networks and forms of communication between the agrofood sector and nanotechnology

It is a good idea to bring together the various disciplines (physics, chemistry and biology) and theories at an early stage. This could result in rapid matching of the agricultural knowledge system with the new concepts associated with nanotechnology. The nanotechnology platform offers opportunities for this. The main aim in this phase is to promote the exchange of knowledge and insights through active forms of communication (workshops, brainstorming sessions, etc.). Wageningen UR, STW and the nanotechnology platform should undertake action to this end.

Action 3. Design a strategy to create an optimum match between the agricultural sector and nanotechnology

The research leaders in the agricultural knowledge system must commission a foresight study into the potentials of nano-science and technology, and use this as a basis for designing a strategy to enable them to respond adequately to the possibilities of this discipline and to form a picture of the investments needed for the required research. Wageningen UR should take the initiative.

4. Molecular biology in plants

• Explosive developments in the field, leading to a deepening of the knowledge of living organisms and a continuously growing understanding of the nature of life.
• Scientific breakthroughs in the field of "genomics" (proteomics, bio-informatics), developmental biology, molecular plant pathology and biosynthesis routes offer new opportunities for the agricultural sector.
• Many Dutch breeding and biotechnology companies have been absorbed into large, wealthy and international life science groups. This leads to great changes in the relationship between research and industry.
• The expanding scientific field and the strong concentration in industry require a reorientation.

4.2. Strengths and weaknesses

	Score	Strong	Weak
Resource position	+	Large numbers of groups (almost 300 fte researchers in total).
System characteristics	+/-	Strong, informal networks. Strengthening of (formal) inter-university research schools under way.	Currently no structural programming and coordination. Many small groups with a vulnerable position.
Scientific quality	+	Peer reviews show good to very good quality.
Usability	+/-	Research is applied in and aligns with Dutch industry. Continuous awareness of "consumer concerns".	Many Dutch companies have been absorbed in international groups, causing the national market to shrink. Viability now appears to be a stronger driving force than "consumer concerns".

4.3. Actions

Action 1. Select a few strategic positions, focus research capacity on those fields and intensify the interaction with industry

Given the dynamics in the science itself, combined with major changes in the industry (in particular the formation of wealthy life sciences groups), it is desirable to pool the available research capacity in a limited number of fields and to strengthen the interaction with industry. The chain approach which is used by industry in selecting and developing strategic knowledge positions offers a good starting point for this. The government (LNV and EZ) should promote such a process of reorientation in molecular plant biology, as well as the interaction between research and industry.

Action 2. Strengthen fundamental research in genomics (structure and function) and proteomics, and increase the interaction with biochemistry, physics, cell biology and information technology

Considerable reinforcement is needed, particularly in "genomics", with a shift being projected from the mapping of genomes towards research into the influence of the spatial structure and position of genomes on their operation. Related focal points are "proteomics" and bio-informatics. DNA chip technology needs to be developed vigorously. The research into the interactions of genes in the complex network of functions in a cell, and into interactions with the environment, is demanding an integrated approach. Strengthening the interaction with biochemistry, biophysics and cell biology is a prerequisite for this. The government (LNV and EZ) is developing incentive programmes in selected fields, which can strengthen the international top position of Dutch groups.

Action 3. Use knowledge fields to build up powerful patent portfolios

The research institutes must seek to build up a cohesive patent portfolio in selected fields. The legal and patent expertise needs to be pooled as far as possible at national level.

Action 4. Allow space for entrepreneurship on the part of researchers and facilitate start-ups of new companies

Universities and institutes need to create conditions for the formation of new companies, and to support these "start-ups" actively until they achieve full independence. EZ and LNV can facilitate this new approach.

5. Molecular and reproductive biology in animals

• Rapid developments in the molecular sciences and their effect on molecular genetics, developmental biology and reproductive technology.
• Prospect of major progress in health and life expectancy of farm animals.
• Important new applications for human health: biomedical proteins, xenotransplants and food allergies.

5.2. Strengths and weaknesses

	Score	Strong	Weak
Resource position	+/-	Concentration of fundamental research.	Small scale of fundamental research.
System characteristics	-/+	Clear research centres. Structure is "logical" given research priorities.	Three research schools with little mutual interaction. No structural control/programming.
Scientific quality	+/-	Good position of "traditional" reproductive biology. Good fundamental developmental biological research.	Lagging behind in cloning and nuclear transplants. No matching of developmental biological research to its applications.
Usability	+/-	Clear orientation of agronomic research to usability and acceptance.	Narrow industrial base for pharmaceutical applications.

5.3. Actions

Action 1. Strengthen the field of molecular genetics and development biology

Strengthening of animal molecular genetic and developmental biological research is necessary along three tracks: (1) physical pooling of the available capacity; (2) concentration of activities on a few focal points; (3) selective expansion of the available capacity. The merging of DLO and LUW in Wageningen UR offers opportunities for achieving this.

Action 2. Strengthen the cooperation between human and animal molecular biology research

The necessary intensification of the cooperation between human and animal research in the field of molecular and reproductive biology can be facilitated by setting up a NWO priorities programme. The cooperation between the GSAH, WIAS and NIOB research schools can also be improved via strategic alliances and joint projects.

Action 3. Reassess the restrictive government policy on cloning, regeneration of animal cells, nuclear transplants and genome modification

There is a need for a sustainable strengthening of the knowledge base for molecular biology in animals. This demands a reappraisal of the government policy in this area. To this end, an independent committee should be set up by LNV, EZ, VWS and OC&W, with the task of mapping out the consequences of the present restrictive government policy and the development of policy options aimed at reducing or preventing undesirable effects.

6. Production ecology

6.1. Dynamics and potential

• The integration of knowledge of different disciplines forms the basis for the successful development sustainable agricultural production systems.
• The field is expanding by incorporating more functions from the national arena in the design process for agricultural systems. This is increasing the complexity.
• The field is switching to the exploring of various search directions for the design of farm systems.
• Production ecology can make important contributions to the radical renewal of the agricultural sector, both at individual farm and at regional level.

6.2. Strengths and weaknesses

	Score	Strong	Weak
Resource position	+	Basic disciplines strongly represented.	Reduction of deployment at crop and cultivation level.
System characteristics	+/-	Strong research network in Wageningen. Good relations with international institutions geared to food security in developing countries.	Technical orientation leads to few relationships with social and behavioural sciences. Scientifically, geared mainly towards Wageningen.
Scientific quality	++	Position internationally recognised for both model and system approach.	Interaction with social and behavioural sciences.
Usability	+/-	Valued partner in developing countries (agrosystems).	Matching with domestic markets; exploring different directions.

6.3. Actions

Action 1. Intensify the relationship with the changing domestic market

Drastic changes are taking place in rural areas and in agriculture ("the home market"). A more pluralistic farming industry is emerging, which in addition to focusing on food production will also contribute to other functions in the rural area of spatial development. This will lead to different products, needs and demands. Production ecology must respond to the changes in the domestic market. Exploring different search and thought paths must be strengthened. Wageningen UR needs to promote this process of reorientation.

Action 2. Develop production ecology as a "designer of tailor-made business systems"

In addition to the development of knowledge of the natural sciences, production ecology needs to develop the competences to enable it to design "tailor-made" agrosystems. Cooperation or alliances with others are essential for this design process and require strengthening. Wageningen UR must promote the development of the necessary competences.

Action 3. Develop policy to promote innovation(s) at system level

Innovations at system level (spanning individual businesses or sectors) are complex and difficult to achieve. This discipline can make an important contribution to large-scale innovations at national level. The government (LNV) needs to take initiatives to promote complex innovative processes.

7. Veterinary epidemiology

• Veterinary epidemiology is one of the key disciplines in the development of new strategies for animal health.
• Veterinary epidemiology is a young, multidisciplinary and dynamic discipline.

7.2 Strengths and weaknesses

	Score	Strong	Weak
Resource position	-	Number of researchers is growing. Great deal of attention for the field.	Highly practicable research. Relevance of field is clear.
System characteristics	+/-	Strong, informal research networks. Working groups for major diseases. Good relationships between scientists and users of the results.	Limited size. Large amount of external funding. Lack of formal structural cooperation. Deficient coordination in setting up monitoring.
Scientific quality	+	Good veterinary research. International recognition of the Animal Health Economics discipline.	No peer reviews/inspections. Little fundamental research.
Usability	+	Good matching between policy makers and consumers.	Lack of clarity regarding the future position of the field. Criticism on scientists during swine fever crisis.

7.3. Actions

Action 1. Create a formalised Veterinary Epidemiology network

Wageningen UR and the Veterinary Faculty at the UU need to create a consortium for Veterinary epidemiology, incorporating research and educational activities.

Action 2. Strengthen fundamental Veterinary Epidemiological research

Wageningen UR and the Veterinary Faculty must ensure that fundamental research is strengthened within the Veterinary Epidemiology consortium. A new part-time professor of Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology could play a central role in this process.

Action 3. Ensure structural embedding of the Animal Health Economics discipline

Wageningen UR should provide a structural position for the discipline Animal Health Economics within the Farm Management Group of the department of Economics and Management, and to ensure the embedding of this discipline in the Veterinary Epidemiology consortium.

Action 4. Develop a training programme for veterinary policy epidemiologists

LNV, as an important future employer of veterinary policy epidemiologists, should commission the outlining of the contours of a training programme in this field, based partly on a long-term needs analysis.

Action 5. Create a multifunctional monitoring and surveillance system

In the development of a monitoring and surveillance system for animal diseases, LNV, in consultation with industry, needs to devote more attention to the usability of such a system for research purposes. The planned Veterinary Epidemiology consortium could play an important role in the further development of the system.

8. Packaging and storage technology

• Breakthroughs possible through integration of knowledge from different research fields, such as materials technology, biotechnology and process technology.
• Increasing the product differentiation and mixed transport over long distances.

8.2 Strengths and weaknesses

	Score	Strong	Weak
Resource position	+ / -	Limited number of groups with average total size (approx. 80 researchers).	Mainly application-oriented research; limited fundamental research.
System characteristics	+ / -	Many informal networks between researchers and industry in the context of contract research.	No researchers' networks; no formalised networks between research institutions and industry.
Scientific quality	+/-	High internationally esteemed research by ATO-DLO.	The majority of the research is application-oriented.
Usability	+	The research largely takes place in direct interaction with users.

8.3. Actions

Action 1. Develop a coordinating initiative

To achieve a more efficient deployment of the available research potential and better coordination between Dutch research institutes, a coordinating initiative is needed. This also offers the possibility for Dutch companies to provide a structural input into the process of prioritisation in fundamental research in this S&T field. A Dutch department of IAPRI could offer the formal framework for this.

Action 2. Carry out case studies and initiate fundamental research

It is proposed that a (limited) number of case studies (projects) in the field of packaging be submitted to KLICT, an ICES-2 project relating to Chain Networks, Logistics and ICT. The results of such "pilots" must then give rise to conclusions drawn by "learning-by-doing" relating to the desired direction of strategic knowledge development in the field of intelligent packaging concepts. On the basis of this, the fundamental research needs to be strengthened.

It is proposed that this process be initiated by bringing representatives of agricultural research (ATO-DLO for chain know-how and storage technology, TNO-Food technology for barrier properties and legislation), university research (LUW) and industry (e.g. KAPPA Packaging) around the table.

9. Policy sciences and ICT in rural areas

• Renewal of rural areas is only possible if there is a high degree of participation in the policy by those involved.
• Several ICT applications offer new opportunities for supporting interactive forms of policy (simulation, GIS, public information systems, video conferencing).

9.2. Strengths and weaknesses

	Score	Strong	Weak
Resource position	+/-	Many diverse research groups.	Low capacity for rural areas.
System characteristics	-	Start of networking in LWI programme.	No structural networks.
Scientific quality	+/-	Strong position of GIS Early adopter of ICT.	GIS weak in parts. Little fundamental ICT research.
Usability	+	Demand-driven control.	Need for testing of ICT in policy practice.

9.3. Actions

Action 1. Develop knowledge and innovation network around ICT and policy sciences

The networks around ICT and policy sciences are weak. Knowledge institutes focusing on the rural environment are also not strongly represented. The envisaged network could perhaps be developed on the basis of the planned ICES/KIS projects (e.g. EMR). The Ravi has been asked to compile an inventory at the end of 1999 of the quality of the knowledge and innovation network. If this should prove insufficient, Ravi will be asked to put forward proposals for strengthening the network.

Action 2. Compile a research programme into interactive policy formulation for rural areas based on the use of ICT

There are two parts to this programme: in the first part new control theories for interactive policy on rural areas are developed and tested. The second part comprises the development and application of knowledge concerning the use of ICT in interactive policy in practical projects. Such a programme provides favourable conditions for a fruitful interaction between knowledge generation in the field of policy studies and the application of ICT tools in innovative practical situations of interactive policy. LNV needs to take the lead in conjunction with VROM, V&W and VWS in setting up such a programme. NRLO can be of assistance here.

Action 3. Strengthen fundamental research into the functioning of ICT in a social and policy context

There are a number of fundamental knowledge questions surrounding the use of ICT in policy processes. As long as these remain unanswered, they contribute to existing doubts about the social benefits for ICT within policy processes. This leads to obstacles in the application of many promising forms of ICT within interactive planning and policy. The NWO programme committee "Society and the digital highway" is being asked to give its attention to these fundamental knowledge questions.

10. Aquaculture

10.1. Dynamics and potential

Aquaculture is a strongly growing sector, both in The Netherlands and worldwide. This is partly because the growing demand for animal proteins from fish cannot be adequately met by the sea and freshwater fishing industry. Whether the recently observed expansion of aquaculture can be sustained, however, will depend partly on whether the knowledge infrastructure around aquaculture is able to "keep pace" in both a quantitative and qualitative sense. This is an international issue (particularly in developing countries), but is also important in The Netherlands.

Relatively new focus areas within this S&T field are the possible applications for biotechnology, and system approaches aimed at producing integral solutions for the ecological, spatial and economic problems surrounding aquaculture.

10.2. Strengths/weaknesses

The strengths/weaknesses analysis of the Dutch knowledge infrastructure around aquaculture raises the following issues among others:

1. The knowledge infrastructure is thin because the content of the technology field is potentially very wide, whilst the capacity (in fte) is relatively small;
2. There is weak interaction between knowledge institutes and industry;
3. The international reputation of the knowledge institutes is good

	Score	Strong	Weak
Resource position	-		Financial and staff capacity is small.
System characteristics	+/-	Limited number of networks.	Existing networks are broad, but not close-knit.
Scientific quality	+	Solid fundamental research profile.
Usability	+/-	LUW education has a good international reputation. Targeted initiatives for the transfer of new knowledge (Aquaflow).	Limited transfer of new knowledge to companies and education. Large companies contract research out abroad.

10.3. Action: Form an aquaculture cluster

To strengthen this S&T field, it is recommended that efforts be made to form an aquaculture cluster in the Netherlands. This cluster would comprise not only fish farmers, but also suppliers to fish farms and companies active in the trade and marketing of aquaculture products and services. The cluster would also include knowledge institutes - as "suppliers" of research, education and advice.

The formation of such a cluster cannot be the responsibility of a single party, but must be the subject of joint responsibility and action by all parties concerned. It is recommended that a task group or consortium be set up for this; a task group made up of representatives of industry, knowledge institutes and public authorities. Not only of fish farmers, Wageningen UR and LNV, but also representatives of supply companies, engineering consultancies and the Ministry for Development Cooperation.

Annex 3: Main points of S&T debate

As part of the foresight study "Science and Technology - Opportunities for agriculture, rural areas and the fisheries", NRLO organised a science and technology debate on 28 April 1999. The input for this debate was the draft of the present integration report (99/1E), as well as a number of statements.

The approximately 25 participants in the debate greatly appreciated the careful and well thought-out approach of the S&T foresight study, which consisted of a mixture of studies and interaction. The discussion focused on the choice of the S&T areas: which criteria had been adopted, to what extent were the selected areas indeed the most important fields for the coming decades, and to what extent was there a coherence between the S&T areas selected? Three-quarters of those present felt that the S&T foresight exercise has made a valuable contribution to the renewal of S&T policy at Wageningen UR, LNV, NWO etc. Reference was made to the fact that the implementation of the proposed actions is often a lengthy process and requires a customised approach for each S&T field.

A coherent S&T portfolio policy at national and international level, in which the parties make mutual agreements on whether or not to cover a particular S&T field, was regarded by many as not desirable and not feasible. There was however widely shared support for the need to form common visions and ambitions in a permanent dialogue, in combination with intelligent interaction between the parties concerned, whilst ensuring that each retains their own decision-making freedom. In certain sub-fields, binding agreements could perhaps be made between parties.

The present "toolbox" possessed by LNV for the S&T policy was regarded by the participants as too limited and too inaccessible. Comments were made about the prioritisation (must be more explicit, with more input from LNV), the nature of the instruments (new ones in addition to the present ones) and the use of those instruments (must be more flexible and more in conjunction with others). Forward surveys, strengths/weaknesses analyses and workshops were seen as important instruments in the formulation of S&T policies for the 21^st century.

The full report of this debate has been published as NRLO report 99/19 (in Dutch).

Annex 4. List of abbreviations

ATO-DLO	Agrotechnological Research Institute DLO
AWT	Science and Technology Advisory Board
DB	Executive Committee
DLO	Agricultural Research Department
DTO	Sustainable Technology Development
DIMES	Delft Institute of Microelectronics and Submicrotechnology
EMR	Multiple Spatial Use Expertise Centre
EU	European Union
EZ	Ministry of Economic Affairs
GIS	Geographic Information Systems
GTI	Large Technological Institutes
GSAH	Graduate School of Animal Health
HBO	Higher Professional Education
IAPRI	International Association of Packaging Research Institutes
ICES	Inter-Departmental Commission on Economic Structure
ICES/KIS	ICES/Knowledge Infrastructure Working Group
ICT	Information and Communication Technology
IMAG-DLO	Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering
IOP	Innovative Research Programme
KLICT	Chain networks, Logistics and ICT
KNAW	Netherlands Academy of Science
LAT	Living Apart Together
LNV	Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries
LUW	Wageningen Agricultural University
LWI	Land, Water, Environment, Information, Technology
MBO	Senior Secondary Vocational Education
MESA	Research Institute for Micro-Electronics, Material Engineering, Sensor and Actuators
MKB	Small and Medium-sized Business sector
NIOB	Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology
NOVEM	Netherlands Organisation for Energy and the Environment
NRLO	National Council for Agricultural Research
NWO	Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research
OCV	Consultative Committee for Foresight Studies
OC&W	Ministry of Education, Culture and Science
PE	Production Ecology Research School
Ravi	Consultative body for property information
STT	Future Shape of Technology Foundation
STW	Foundation for Applied Sciences
TNO-STB	Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research - Centre for Technology and Policy Studies
UU	University of Utrecht
VSNU	Association of Netherlands Universities
VWS	Ministry of Public Health, Welfare and Sport
W&T	Science and Technology
Wageningen UR	Wageningen University and Research Centre
WIAS	Wageningen Institute for Animal Sciences

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