Involving Citizens in Innovation Processes in Livestock Farming

Between January 2021 and October 2024, the Territorial Innovation Laboratory Ouest Territoires d’Élevage (LIT OUESTEREL) implemented an open innovation approach to involve citizens in livestock farming innovation. Across 25 projects addressing topics like immunocastration, grazing of large dairy herds, and animal welfare housing, 3,334 non-professional citizens participated alongside livestock professionals. Ninety distinct involvement modalities were tested and characterized. A follow-up survey of 304 citizens assessed their preferences for these modalities. Comparison of retrospective and prospective results demonstrates that meaningful citizen participation is both feasible and welcomed, and identifies concrete levers to reinforce engagement in future livestock innovation projects.