Innovation Landscape Analysis of the Agri-Food Sector in North Rhine-Westphalia

In close collaboration with Rufis e.V., HFFA Research conducted a study to assess the region’s innovation capacity across the agricultural value chain for Bayer Crop Science Deutschland GmbH

Context & Challenge

The agri-food sector globally is under pressure to respond to evolving societal demands, shifting market conditions, and the need for greater sustainability and resilience. These dynamics require continuous innovation, not only within primary agricultural production but across related upstream and downstream industries. Against this backdrop, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), one of Germany’s key agricultural regions, sought to understand its current innovation landscape and future potential.

Our Approach

HFFA Research conducted a comprehensive analysis to evaluate the innovation potential of NRW’s agricultural sector and broader agri-business cluster. The study included:

• Sectoral Baseline Assessment: A descriptive overview of the agricultural sector in NRW, including a measurement of total factor productivity as an indicator of sectoral efficiency and progress.
• Meta-Analysis of Value Chain Sub-Sectors: A literature-based evaluation covering upstream industries (plant breeding, plant protection and nutrition, agricultural technology, and animal nutrition) and downstream industries (food processing, retail including wholesale and non-food segments).
• Innovation Ecosystem Mapping: Identification of innovation drivers and barriers through analysis of academic and research institutions active in agriculture and agribusiness, as well as policy frameworks and funding mechanisms influencing innovation activity in the region.
• SWOT and Competitiveness Assessment: A qualitative appraisal of strengths, weaknesses, and innovation potential, with insights into the region’s capacity for sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness within the agri-food economy in NRW.

Key Insights

The study highlights a well-developed innovation infrastructure in NRW with strong academic and research capacities, though challenges remain in coordination and targeted policy support. The findings point to significant opportunities for strengthening the innovation ecosystem, particularly through integrated strategies across the entire value chain.