Project partners decided to apply for the extension of the implementation period of the Danube S3 Cluster project by another 6 months and the application was approved by the Managing Authority of the Danube Transnational Programme.

As a result, in this period, we will analyze the impact of the Covid19 pandemic on the agri-food sector. The analysis will be based on both field and field research (questionnaires and interviews that will be applied to all partners' territories). The results of the analyzes will be discussed in the Policy Learning Dialogue Workshop which organized in October 2021.

Training program dedicated on digitization

Also, a training program will be developed and provided focused on the digitization possibilities that can be used successfully by the representatives of the Agri-Food sector. Partners will help with trainers and evaluators to ensure a high quality of the training program. The training materials will be prepared by partners on the following topics: 3D printing, Drone, Business Animation, AI in the Agri-Food sector.

Furthermore, we aim to expand the project with two important activities, namely:

- Expanding the Local Action Plans with concrete activities aimed at establishing new DIHs in the region, supporting organizations that are planning to establish DIHs, the establishment of EDIHs at national level and connections between EDIHs at European level.

- Establishing the Danube Agri-food Innovation Eco-system, under the umbrella of already operational European DIH AGRIFOOD COOPERATION PLATFORM, which will upscale and expand activities in the direction of identifying and systematically connect organizations, projects, DIHs, products & solutions, Startup/SME Support Organizations with the help of designated and trained facilitators provided by Danube S3 cluster partners.

Pandemic Response Plan designed for Agri-Food clusters

During the implementation of Danube S3 Cluster project, partners had to face a global challenge – the coronavirus crisis, that has shown how vulnerable we all are and how important it is to restore the balance between human activity and nature. Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, no significant disruptions in the food production and supply have been witnessed, while logistical challenges within supply chains, particularly cross-border and domestic restrictions of movement, social distancing, as well as labor issues, may disrupt food production and supply, especially if they remain challenged for a long-term. High-value, and especially perishable commodities, are likely to be particularly affected.

Thus, during the 6 months extension Danube S3 Cluster consortium intends to focus its activity to further investigate the impact of COVID 19 pandemic on the Agri-Food sector and to support Agri-Food clusters to join the digital transformation in order to be able to overcome this challenge.