National Innovation Practice Hubs (NIPs)
TransformDairyNet bridges local and European efforts through National Innovation Practice Hubs (NIPs) and the European Knowledge and Innovation Network (EKIN). Coordinated by 11 National Network Facilitators (NNFs) across 12 countries, NIPs bring together farmers, veterinarians, advisors, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, tackle challenges, and foster innovation in Cow-Calf Contact (CCC) systems.
What NIPs Do:
- Year 1: Focus on compiling existing CCC knowledge, identifying end-user needs, validating tools, and facilitating peer-to-peer learning through events and farm visits.
- Years 2 & 3: Emphasise co-creating new CCC knowledge, addressing user needs through Living Labs, and digitalising and disseminating insights for practical use.
NNFs ensure open collaboration within trusted spaces, linking national efforts to the EKIN, which connects to 150 members across Europe. Activities are tailored to the maturity of peer-learning processes in each country, ensuring all relevant actors engage effectively. More information on them available here.
Benefits of NIP Membership
- Share and learn from diverse CCC experiences.
- Access facilitation support and funding for innovation trials.
- Benefit from expert input and wider CCC knowledge via the EKIN.
- Build a community of practice for addressing future challenges.
- Co-own and publish best practices on CCC.
TransformDairyNet’s NIPs serve as dynamic hubs for innovation, driving sustainable dairy practices and strengthening connections between local and European initiatives.
Our NIPs
Dairy cow
Dairy buffalo
Austria’s NIP Group Prepares for First Meeting
Austria’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group is set to hold its first meeting on 11 December, bringing together 17 farmers from across the country, representing…
Read moreDenmark’s NIP Group: Collaboration Through Familiar Networks
Denmark’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group has begun its journey with an online pre-meeting on 20 November, setting the stage for the first in-person/hybrid meeting…
Read moreEstonia’s NIP Group: Exploring New Ground in CCC Systems
Estonia’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group is in its early stages, with an introduction made at the organic farmers’ meeting on 20 November. The first…
Read moreFrance’s NIP Group: Laying the Foundations for Collaboration
The French National Innovation Practice (NIP) group is currently in the formation phase, with the first meeting expected in February. Network Development: Efforts to establish…
Read moreGermany’s NIP Group: A Diverse Community
Germany’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group has started strong, with a pre-meeting held online on 6 November and the first in-person meeting scheduled for 11…
Read moreGreece’s NIP Group: A Strong Start to Collaborative Innovation
Greece’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group held its first successful meeting on 20 November 2024, bringing together eight participants for an in-person session. Highlights: The…
Read moreItaly’s Buffalo NIP Group: Introducing the TDN Project to Buffalo Farmers
Italy’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group focused on buffalo farming is set to introduce the TDN project during three meetings with breeder groups in December.…
Read moreItaly’s NIP Group: Strong Collaboration on CCC for Cattle
Italy’s National Innovation Practice (NIP) group for cattle held its first meeting on 6 November 2024, with 12 participants attending. Highlights: The group demonstrated excellent…
Read moreNorway & Sweden’s NIP Group: Strong Engagement Across Borders
The Norway and Sweden National Innovation Practice (NIP) group successfully held their first physical meetings, bringing together 13 out of 17 participants. Highlights: The group…
Read moreUK & Ireland’s NIP Group: A Passionate Start for CCC Innovation
The UK & Ireland National Innovation Practice (NIP) group held its first meeting with 9 participants. Highlights: The group’s enthusiasm and passion for Cow-Calf Contact…
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