CONESAM continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainable distributed manufacturing by promoting inclusive, participatory, and forward-looking approaches to research and innovation. On March 11–12, 2024, the CONESAM team, with support from the RISA–KECC project, convened to identify best practices and develop practical strategies for advancing private sector engagement with research institutes, while also exploring effective pathways for youth participation in research and innovation. The engagement featured open forum discussions that examined pragmatic models for CONESAM’s organizational governance and task-based structure. Participants shared insights and made recommendations aimed at strengthening the coalition’s operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. Central to these discussions was the recognition that distributed manufacturing thrives best when collaboration, accountability, and inclusivity are embedded in institutional design. A major outcome of the sessions was the strong emphasis placed on the role of women in agricultural technology, innovation, and processing. Members of the coalition highlighted women’s practical experience, resilience, and motivation as key assets in driving agricultural development, despite the significant challenges and drudgery they often face. Participants noted that women’s perceived accountability and creditworthiness also make them attractive partners for financial institutions, positioning them as critical drivers of scalable manufacturing and agribusiness solutions. The discussions further underscored the importance of women’s inclusion across structural, technical, advisory, and leadership roles within distributed manufacturing systems. Encouraging women’s participation was identified as a fast and impactful pathway toward achieving CONESAM’s sustainability goals. In addition, coalition members emphasized the need to strengthen financial literacy among women, particularly in areas such as fund management, prudent spending, and basic accounting. Improving these skills was seen as essential for enabling women to effectively manage capital, grow enterprises, and contribute meaningfully to the distributed manufacturing ecosystem—both within and beyond CONESAM membership. To address social and cultural barriers, stakeholders proposed the use of community-based advisors to support sensitization efforts at the household and community levels. This approach aims to align CONESAM’s programming with existing social norms while creating more enabling conditions for women’s participation in business and innovation. Overall, the engagement reaffirmed CONESAM’s role as a community of practice that values inclusivity, collaboration, and sustainability. Through targeted strategies that integrate women, youth, the private sector, and research institutions, CONESAM continues to build a resilient foundation for distributed manufacturing and innovation-led agricultural development.