ARETE – The Institute for Sustainable Prosperity, is proud to announce its membership in the China–CEEC Modern Agricultural Science and Education Innovation Alliance. Established in October 2024 by Shandong Agricultural University, the Alliance brings together 64 agricultural universities, research institutions, and enterprises from China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) to promote cooperation in agricultural technology, talent development, and sustainable food systems.

The Alliance serves as a vital platform for fostering innovation in intelligent agriculture, enhancing food security, promoting nutrition and health, and integrating AI and digital tools into the agricultural supply chain. It also plays a key role in enabling cross-border exchange of knowledge, technology, and educational resources, particularly through initiatives like the Sofia Initiative and the newly launched Digital Agriculture Innovation Platform.

By joining the Alliance, ARETE reinforces its commitment to sustainable development and food systems transformation in the region. As an independent think tank working across policy, research, and innovation, ARETE seeks to contribute to meaningful dialogue and joint learning opportunities between Europe and China, particularly in the domain of sustainable food and agriculture.

Adela Gjorgjioska, Director of ARETE, stated on the occasion of joining the Alliance:

“We are honored to join this growing community of institutions dedicated to advancing agricultural sustainability. China’s ability to modernize its food systems at scale while prioritizing ecological restoration and food security offers important lessons for CEEC countries. This Alliance provides an opportunity to not only learn from China’s innovations but also co-develop context-sensitive solutions that bridge technology, sustainability, and food security. As highlighted in our recent report, mutual learning and structured cooperation between China and CEEC are essential for strengthening resilience, sharing technologies, and ensuring food systems serve both people and planet.”

As a member of the Alliance, ARETE will contribute to ongoing research collaborations, support educational innovation through digital tools and training programs, and promote dialogue among policymakers, practitioners, and academics. Through its participation, the Institute aims to ensure that sustainability transitions in agriculture are inclusive, data-informed, and globally connected.