An Agricultural Knowledge and Information System (AKIS) improves the flow of knowledge. In this context, the EU-funded modernAKIS project will build and foster a European network of at least 1 000 key AKIS actors, including AKIS coordination bodies, from all EU Member States. They will serve as linchpins in the transformation of the AKIS systems towards more effective governance and modernisation of the European agri-food sector. The project will also build the capacities of these key AKIS actors towards systems understanding and engagement. This will allow them to put into practice long-term system changes that will improve the AKIS.