Innovation at FAO
Bridging knowledge and innovation
FAO is at the forefront of accelerating science, technology and innovation for sustainable agrifood systems transformation.
Through its flagship initiative, the Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO), FAO provides global foresight, data and analysis to guide investments and policies towards equitable, evidence-based transformation.
Complementing this, the FAO Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Portal serves as a dynamic gateway that connects knowledge, people and solutions. It brings together reliable resources, networks and tools, enabling stakeholders to turn insights into action and co-create sustainable innovations.
Together, ATIO and the STI Portal bridge knowledge, innovation and impact — empowering countries and communities to shape the future of agrifood systems.
ATIO: Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook
What is the ATIO Initiative?
The Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO) is a groundbreaking global initiative by FAO, to accelerate uptake of appropriate technologies and innovations across agrifood systems. Through its Knowledge Base (KB), biennial report, and ecosystem of partnerships – connecting people, cultures, ideas, and tools to maximize impact that drive sustainable transformation.
Our Biennial Publication:
The ATIO report Driving Innovation Towards an Equitable Transformation of Agrifood Systems offers the first comprehensive global analysis of how science, technology, and innovation (STI) can close the STI gap. Focusing on LMICs, it examines global R&D trends, mission-oriented policies and future technology frontiers, while providing actionable insights and partnerships to accelerate R&D impact, guide investments, and drive equitable agrifood systems transformation.
How does the ATIO Knowledge Base (KB) drive agrifood systems transformation?
Together with the report, the ATIO KB is a dynamic, open-access platform that continuously scans and structures agrifood innovations into data, indicators, and technology catalogues.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- Extensive Catalog of Breakthroughs: a dynamic repository showcasing cutting-edge innovations and grassroots solutions, all in one place.
- Precision Search & Discovery: Zero in on the solutions you need with advanced filters—by geography, readiness level, adoption status, and real-world use cases.
- Collaborative Curation: partnership-driven approach, shaping actionable and evidence-based content together.
Hosted within the FAO STI Portal, the ATIO Knowledge Base delivers instant access to credible, diverse, and actionable intelligence.
Together, we can capitalize on the true impact of ATIO to align technologies with real agrifood system needs.
Interested in learning more?
Please contact [email protected]
Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Portal
FAO created the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Portal to address a long-standing challenge: data and knowledge on science, technology and innovation for agrifood systems were scattered, inconsistently documented and difficult to access — particularly for stakeholders in low- and middle-income countries. To overcome this, the Portal was designed as an open, federated and modular platform that consolidates reliable STI resources, connects users ,and supports evidence-based decision-making.
The portal provides an on-demand advisory service and network that connects countries and partners to trusted expertise, so decisions flow faster, designs are stronger, and solutions align with evidence and standards. The STI Portal and Network provides a searchable map of innovations and actors, so the community can find and connect with people, products and partners to co-create with, rather than starting from a blank slate.
It contains 3 main modules.
- Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO) Knowledge Base: The Agrifood Systems Technologies and Innovations Outlook (ATIO) Knowledge Base (KB) is a comprehensive, open-access platform designed to support policymakers, investors, researchers, innovation users, and innovators in making informed decisions to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems.
- Information & Learning Sources: This module offers simple and rapid access to over 550 curated relevant science, technology and innovation resources and learning materials, supporting inclusive capacity development.
- Network: This module showcases the stakeholder landscape in specific contexts, facilitating matchmaking and the discovery of suitable partners among individuals, organizations, networks, or projects.
Interested in learning more?
Please contact
[email protected]