Deliberations among delegates around the Conference were kicked off by Arnold Van Huis (Professor, University of Wageningen) who discussed “New Paradigms for the generation of and access to agricultural research results”

He stressed that a technology focus in ARD was not likely to improve livelihoods, and that innovations needed to be scaled up. A complete metamorphosis was necessary to encourage an interactive learning model with farmers. To develop innovations with farmers, factors described as hardware (technical knowledge), software (change mindsets), and orgware (different organizational arrangements) must be organized to create a ‘space for change’.

Andy Hall (LINK Co-ordinator, United Nations University-MERIT) in his presentation on “Innovations in institutional arrangements” defined institutional innovation as enabling new ways of working within an organization Two changes have been at centre stage in pressing for institutional innovation in ARD: stronger client orientation and greater use of partnerships. Further innovation in ARD Institutions is necessary to reach the development goals. It is more sensible to enable institutional change to cope with an evolving situation in a specific context than prescribe changes, He stressed that there was a need to focus on transition rather than on destination in institutional arrangements. He concluded by saying that institutional change started at home.

Andrew Bennett (President, Syngenta Foundation) in his presentation on “Technologies for emerging societal needs” analyzed consensus building among actors of society at large that are engaged in ARD. Scientists, policy makers and society need a platform like GFAR so that they can discuss and agree on priorities and standards. He discussed that ARD needs to adapt to several changes such as the changing societal needs (change in lifestyle, population growth, urbanisation, etc.), climate change etc. To answer to the challenge, a greater coherence among research, policy makers and consumers is essential. For example genomics holds great promise, but this technology needs to win confidence and support of society so it is essential to keep consumers informed and engaged. The impact of research will be increasingly global and there is a need to develop local solutions. GFAR is a global discussion forum that cross-cuts all these issues.