Our social innovation approach

At CISA, we utilize an approach that is both structured and flexible, which adapts to current and future needs in agriculture and agri-food.

Transform the issues into innovative solutions

Climate change, the accelerated loss of biodiversity, labour shortages, public health, food security and self-sufficiency are all issues for the agricultural and territorial sector in Quebec.

These environmental, economic, and social issues are leading us towards new avenues such as diversified, resilient, and northern agriculture.

In this agricultural and agri-food world in full transition, CISA uses an innovative intervention approach to stimulate the emergence of concrete actions in the field.

Transform the issues into innovative solutions

A CISA research-action
focus

CISA's constantly evolving action-research fields of expertise revolve around 4 research areas:

  • 1Territorial Food Systems (SAT)
  • 2Establishment of agricultural succession and revitalization of territories
  • 3Integrated management of natural and human resources
  • 4Integrated socio-technological intelligence
Research-action focus
See the impact on the ground Arrow

Co-creation Solutions tied to the reality on the ground

Based on creativity, collaboration, and innovation, co-creation consists in finding adapted solutions with the participation of all stakeholders concerned by an issue or a need. At CISA, we favour this form of group intelligence to innovate, and reach clear, new horizons.

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The connection of all the actors allows a global vision of the problem. Through relational dynamics and an innovative state of mind, adapted solutions emerge and lead to concrete actions in the field. This creative and constructive consultation facilitates the implementation and adoption of new practices, or services by all stakeholders.

Turning challenges into innovative solutions

Group Intelligence Cross-Fertilization of Ideas

Interrelated to the concept of co-creation, group intelligence gives rise to interactions between different actors, developing synergies that prove beneficial in solving complex issues.

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By uniting our knowledge and our experiences, it becomes possible to accelerate and deepen the search for alternatives around a common interest for our agriculture.

LOV: Living Open Laboratories

LOV
Living Open Laboratories

Inspired by European Living Labs, CISA's open living laboratory (LOV) approach stimulates social innovation. This methodology is intended to be open and supported by stakeholders concerned who are facing a problem, and the partners of its ecosystem.

To enrich reflections and to back key actors in this creation of an adapted solutions process, CISA has established a dynamic team made up of multidisciplinary researchers.

Create added value for the entire agricultural ecosystem

Food, which is central to our lives, presents many challenges. Production methods, agricultural practices, management of materials and resources, health and well-being of producers, and communities and territories have an impact on our daily lives and our future.

Through applied research, training, transfer of knowledge, technical assistance, and civic education, CISA contributes to agricultural and agri-food development through various themes:

  • Establishment of succession and farm transfer
  • Economics and agricultural management
  • Sustainable food systems
  • Marketing and commercialization
  • Value chain development
  • Agri-food transport and distribution
  • Food security
  • Support for the appropriation of new technologies by users
  • Inclusion and valuing individuals
  • Health and well-being of agricultural producers and rural communities
  • Waste recovery and circular economy
  • Governance and social acceptability
  • Integrated socio-technological intelligence

Financial assistance available

As a research centre, CISA can help you obtain financial assistance to complete your project.

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Unique agricultural expertise in Quebec

Direct results

As part of the Maple Farmers' Community project: an innovative method, a success for the future of the establishment, CISA provides support for the implementation of an evolutionary evaluation process for the Laboratory, allowing better follow-up on the progress of the project, in addition to ensuring the production of mobilization and transfer tools.

Diane Bisson, Project Manager community of farmers, MRC de L’Érable

CISA's work has enabled us to collect relevant information on soil compaction, which represents a major issue identified by producers in the Lac Saint-Pierre watershed as part of the Living Laboratories of Quebec project.

Dorothé Ngondjeb Yong Nje, Economist Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

How did CISA’s involvement make a difference in the project? An essential and recognized skill, which will have allowed the project to progress with confidence by all stakeholders.

Robert Gagnon, Chairman of the Board of Directors Jardins du 53e Taïga