ICVV is a Public Research Centre integrated in the European research environment and aims to become a reference center for grapevine and wine research.
Institute of Grapevine and Wine Sciences is a Research Center devoted to scientific investigation on Viticulture and Oenology. The Institute was created by a join agreement of the Government of La Rioja (by means of the Regional Agricultural Ministry), the Spanish National Research Council and the University of La Rioja.
The ICVV has the goal of generating new knowledge and technologies in Viticulture and Oenology, which can be the base for technological development and innovation within the grape and wine productive sector, an economic sector that is inherent to the Spanish agriculture and culture.
The ICVV promotes transfer of scientific and technological results to the society, aiming that its research activity ends in practical applications and contributes to the development of the sector.
ICVV is considered a good practice in the Agri Renaissance project for the following reasons:
The institute has grouped the main actors in research and innovation in the Spanish wine sector. Putting them together in a common research infrastructure.
It is an applied research center, with close collaboration with the industrial producing sector. It also has a clear vocation to transfer knowledge to companies and farmers.
His research lines are aligned with the intelligent specialization strategy of La Rioja, and KET´S technologies such as ICT or biotechnology are applied to the vine and wine sector.
Resources needed
ICVV IS found by funded by three institutions, Government of La Rioja, CSIC and the University of La Rioja. 41% of its income comes from European funds and research contracts with companies.
Currently, eighty five researchers work in the research institute, from more than five countries.
Evidence of success
The main achievements of the ICVV during its years of life are the following:
13 mixed research groups have been consolidated between university, regional administration and state administration.
ICVV has been established as the reference center in Spain in research and innovation in viticulture and oenology, creating a national research
committe wine sector.
The institute develop international projects (22% of its income) with many countries (French, Soudth Africa, Brasil or México)
Difficulties encountered
The main challenges have been the following:
Coordinate two different public administrations and a public university to carry out a strategic investment project of this magnitude.
Get the support of the wine producing sector when developing innovation projects.
Potential for learning or transfer
This good practice is included in this project because the ICVV has become the main center of generation and transfer of knowledge for the industrial sector of wine in Spain. It is allowing to implement technologies that until recently were inaccesible to wineries.
We believe that it can be a source of inspiration for those regions that have problems when it comes to optimizing their scientific resources and adress to innovation.
ICVV has allowed:
Optimize and streamline spending and public infrastructure management. Making the most of public resources.
The increase in size and diversity of research profiles has allowed the incorporation of research talent that otherwise would not have been possible.
We also believe that join a regional public university, with the largest research center in a country, and a public regional research center is an achievement to share. The road was slow, but it has been a process of mutual learning that after 10 years of operation has been succes.
Tags: Food, Innovation, Agriculture
