All around the world, November 3rd is One Health Day and celebrated as such. Because of the Corona restrictions in many countries, there are no events in presence or network parties this year. It is precisely under these circumstances that a discussion takes place – in a variety of online-meetings and -discussions. Such virtual exchange of ideas and discussion has been something that the 2018 started initiative GISKOHN has done today as well as the Thematic University Network TUNEQA.
The focus has been on two aspects: First, the creation of a digital infrastructure for corona-testing of persons who work in hotspots of system relevant fields of the agri and food sector. Second: The health-information-app for auditors in the agri and food sector – how system relevant fields benefit from the EQA-cross-innovation-approach.
All experts from science, economy and authorities agreed upon the fact that two things proved themselves in times of crises, such as the ongoing pandemic:
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- Since EQAsce has taken over the tasks of cluster and network management via the International FoodNetCenter of the University of Bonn (that is still a network partner), the existing bonding between F&E economic partners could be maintained. It was even successful in finding further partners.
- A continuous development of network action is ensured thanks to funding by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia for EQAsce. Thus, synergies between initiatives and networks of the region have been put into practice.
The project “TriangleNet.NRW” wants to put up a long-term strategy for internationalization: This concerns the regional networks in the fields of „One Health“, „sustainability“ und „Animal Welfare“ which were established in North Rhine-Westphalia in the past years. There is much interest in a cross-border cooperation among the partners of Europe and worldwide.
