HENNOVATION is one of the thematic networks funded under the topic ISIB 2 'Closing the research and innovation divide: the crucial role of innovation support services and knowledge exchange'.

Started on 1^st January 2015, the project coordinated by University of Bristol (UK) will receive around € 2 million over a period of 2 ½ years and involves 7 partners from the UK, Sweden, Czech Republic, Spain and the Netherlands.

Using the laying hen sector as a case study, the project will demonstrate the potential for practice-driven innovation networks to develop practical cost-effective solutions to sustainability challenges. They will develop a support package of communication web-based tools, facilitation guides and on-line training programmes, designed to help both scientists and businesses. Finally, they will produce policy recommendations on how innovation networks can best be exploited.

Beyond the laying hen sector, HENNOVATION results are expected to inspire and support other livestock sectors and to feed into the European Innovation Partnership for Agriculture.