Research and Innovation As a Catalyst For Food System Transformation

Background Food systems are associated with severe and persistent problems worldwide. Governance approaches aiming to foster sustainable transformation of food systems face several challenges due to the complex nature of food systems. Scope and approach In this commentary we argue that addressing these governance challenges requires the development and adoption of novel research and innovation (R&I) approaches that will provide evidence to inform food system transformation and will serve as catalysts for change. We first elaborate on the complexity of food systems (transformation) and stress the need to move beyond traditional linear R&I approaches to be able to respond to persistent problems that affect food systems. Though integrated transdisciplinary approaches are promising, current R&I systems do not sufficiently support such endeavors. As such, we argue, we need strategies that trigger a double transformation – of food systems and of their R&I systems. Key Findings and Conclusions Seizing the opportunities to transform R&I systems has implications for how research is done – pointing to the need for competence development among researchers, policy makers and society in general – and requires specific governance interventions that stimulate a systemic approach. Such interventions should foster transdisciplinary and transformative research agendas that stimulate portfolios of projects that will reinforce one another, and stimulate innovative experiments to shape conditions for systemic change. In short, a thorough rethinking of the role of R&I as well as how it is funded is a crucial step towards the development of the integrative policies that are necessary to engender systemic change – in the food system and beyond

Research and Innovation Supporting the Farm to Fork Strategy of the European Commission

The EU Think Tank (as part of the FIT4FOOD2030 Coordination andSupport Action) strongly supports the development of the Farm toFork Strategy as a key component of the European Green Deal,recognising the need to transform the food system as a whole

A Systems Approach to Research and Innovation for Food System Transformation

This policy brief of the European Union (EU) Think Tank – part of the FIT4FOOD2030 Coordination and Support Action (CSA) of the FOOD 2030 initiative – is a response and contribution to growing pleas for a ‘systems approach’ to transform food systems for Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) for present and future generations. This policy brief specifically focusses on the necessity of the adoption of a systems approach to Research and Innovation (R&I) in order to foster the transformation of food systems

Key Research and Innovation Questions on Engaging Consumers in the Delivery of FOOD 2030

Food system transformation requires major changes in food consumption practices. Consumers could play central roles to stimulate these changes, which needs to be fully recognized. Multi-stakeholder R&I efforts should focus more on the interactions between individual, contextual and policy factors influencing consumption patterns, with specific attention to the dynamic character of food environments. Consumers should be empowered and engaged in decision making, through co-design, co-creation, co-implementation and co-assessment

Research and innovation policy for future-proofing the food system : Deliverable 4.3

To solve the grand challenges related to food production and consumption, breakthroughs are needed in research and innovation (R&I) that foster changes in the entire food system, targeting not only the food production chain, but also the social, political, economic and environmental aspects related to it.5, 6,7,8 In order to realise the needed breakthroughs, European and regional funding systems for R&I need revision. This paper argues the need for three revisions: to include research topics regarding food system innovation on the research agenda, to foster responsible R&I and to add to public R&I funding institutions the task of acting as ‘innovation brokers

R&I recommendations for targeted action in the Food2030 pathway areas : Deliverable 3.4

With the publication of the booklet “Food2030 Pathways for Action” on 16 October 2020 (World Food Day)1 , the European Commission officially started the operationalisation process of the Food2030 framework in view of deploying the R&I action, as well as the investments needed to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal2 , the Farm to Fork3 and the Bioeconomy strategies4 . The clustering exercise, led by DG Research and Innovation with contributions from DG SANTE, DG MARE, DG AGRI and from relevant food value chain stakeholders, has led the European Commission to identify ten focus areas which are considered ‘levers of change’: Governance & Systems Change; Urban Food System Transformation; Food from the Oceans & Freshwater Resources; Alternative Proteins & Dietary Shift; Food Waste & Resource Efficiency; The Microbiome World; Healthy, Sustainable & Personalised Nutrition; Food Safety Systems of the Future; Food Systems Africa; Food Systems & Data

Key Research and Innovation Questions on Engaging Consumers in the Delivery of FOOD 2030

Food system transformation requires major changes in food consumption practices. Consumers could play central roles to stimulate these changes, which needs to be fully recognized. Multi-stakeholder R&I efforts should focus more on the interactions between individual, contextual and policy factors influencing consumption patterns, with specific attention to the dynamic character of food environments. Consumers should be empowered and engaged in decision making, through co-design, co-creation, co-implementation and co-assessment

A Systems Approach to Research and Innovation for Food System Transformation

A better understanding of key interactions between a multitude of actors, government levels and processes (production, consumption, distribution) and involving stakeholders is crucial to delivery of transformation. Our food systems face severe, urgent and persistent challenges, and so do we as humanity. Therefore, we need to strengthen the systems approach to Research and Innovation (R&I) in order to inform policy and decision makers to foster the transformation of EU food systems, in line with societies’ needs