Knowledge Exchange as an Important Pillar for Innovation in the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Sector
Within its leadership role in the Working Group under COST project “weedingMAPs – Non – chemical weed management in medicinal and aromatic plants” the PRO CIVIS Foundation consequently advances activities focused on knowledge exchange and the co-creation of solutions supporting innovation in the medicinal and aromatic plants sector, as well as in the field of non-chemical weed management methods.
An important initial step in this process was the workshop organised by PRO CIVIS in Warsaw in March 2025. Based on the active involvement of a broad group of experts, the meeting created a structured space for joint work on principles of effective co-operation within the medicinal and aromatic plants sector. As a result of these activities, a report comprising guidelines for stakeholder engagement in the medicinal and aromatic plants sector was developed. The report entitled “A set of rules guiding the joint work of the identified stakeholders relevant for the subject of weedingMAPs” was prepared thanks to the strong commitment of the participants and has become a key reference point for subsequent work.
The next stage consisted of more in-depth activities carried out during an online meeting organised by PRO CIVIS on 20 November 2025. The meeting brought together experts and practitioners actively involved in the Project and was designed as a further step in the development of a shared research and implementation agenda.
The meeting was opened by a presentation delivered by the PRO CIVIS’s CEO – Tadeusz Pęczek, and focused on the definition of knowledge and its role in innovation processes, in line with Project’s assumptions. The presentation established the substantive framework for further work, emphasising the importance of conscious knowledge exchange, dialogue and a practical approach to knowledge co-creation.
Subsequently, participants engaged in work within thematic working groups, focusing on the identification of needs, challenges and potential directions for further development. The discussions combined scientific perspectives with practical experience, enabling the collection of diverse and complementary viewpoints.
In the next part of the meeting, the concept of the document “Overview of Knowledge Co-Creation Methods and Tools Supporting the Development and Introduction of NCWM Methods in MAPs” was presented. The proposed concept provides the basis for developing a comprehensive overview of knowledge co-creation methods and tools supporting the development and implementation of innovative solutions in the very substantive scope of the Project. Finally, the definition of thematic areas to be included in the final document was also elaborated.
PRO CIVIS Foundation ensured high level of engagement and the needed frameworks ensuring openness to collaboration and productive outcomes resulting from the group sessions. The meeting confirmed that an approach based on knowledge co-creation and partnership-oriented cooperation provides a solid foundation for further activities and future initiatives in the field of innovative and sustainable bioeconomy.
