With such a perspective, research for innovation needs to combine fundamental research, participatory research or action-research based on a plausible theory of change to achieve desirable impacts at scale. This means that research must conduct several research activities in partnership with other actors : knowledge production, design of methods, facilitation, capacity building, expertise, etc.
To support innovation processes, there is a need to strengthen the capacity of researchers and research organizations to design, monitor and assess research to achieve impacts and address the urgent challenges. There is also a need to strengthen the capacity to innovate of a much larger range of actors : farmers, farmers’ organizations, local communities, NGO, private sector, public sector
The top-down transfer of knowledge and technology model is no more valid to address systemic changes needed to promote sustainable food systems in a context of rapid transitions. Because innovation is a complex process including technical, organizational and institutional dimensions and mobilizing a wide range of actors (farmers, farmers’ organizations, NGO, advisory services, private firms, etc.), public policies need to rely on multi-stakeholder approach to produce new knowledge making use of scientific knowledge and local knowledge, mobilize resources, and synergize competencies.

DeSIRA initiative (Development Smart Innovation through Research in Agriculture, in short DeSIRA) objective is to:

to contribute to climate-relevant, productive and sustainable transformation of agriculture and food systems in low and middle-incomes countries
DeSIRA aims to put more science into development considering that the solutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are context specifics. It contributes primarily to the achievement of SDG 1 (no poverty), 2 (zero hunger), 5 (Gender equality), 8 decent work and economic growth and 13 (climate action) and 15 (Life on Land),
DeSIRA aims at supporting research and innovation projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and strengthening research capacities and research governance involving key actors at national, regional, continental and global levels