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

Discussing climate change and other forms of global environmental change during the clinical encounter:exploring US physicians’ perspectives

Physicians could arguably play a role in efforts to mitigate and adapt to the health effects of global environmental change. This paper presents an initial qualitative exploration of United States physicians’ perspectives with regard to whether, why and how physicians might discuss the health effects of global environmental change, climate change in particular, with their patients and what would need to change in healthcare systems to facilitate this. Interviews were conducted with eighteen physicians working across the US and representing different medical specialties. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. We found that most physicians felt such conversations should become part of clinical encounters, primarily to help patients protect their health. However, it was also highlighted that physicians might have objections, referring to the risk of creating feelings of fear or powerlessness and of undermining the physician-patient relationship. This study highlighted that such conversations therefore need to be relevant and actionable, for which timing and communication style are essential. Major barriers for such conversations include a lack of knowledge, conversation skills and guidance, lack of time, and physicians’ perspectives on their role in realizing good quality care. Building on these explorative findings, our tentative conclusion is that discussing the health effects of global environmental change during clinical encounters can become part of physicians’ roles, but that this requires competence development and fundamental changes in the operation of healthcare systems. Future (quantitative) studies are necessary to further understand how such discussions could take place and be facilitated in different settings

Learning systems and learning paths in sustainability transitions

Scholars have stressed the need to better understand the role of learning in sustainability transitions. Even though progress has been made, there is a call for more research, both in the form of large-scale empirical studies and theoretical clarity. Based on pragmatic learning theory, this paper responds to this call by presenting the results of an empirical study on learning within the context of a European large-scale multi-level transition-oriented sustainability project. Following the empirical analysis of the learning in this project, the concept of a learning system is proposed as a theoretical innovation, and the question of how to most effectively facilitate learning in sustainability transitions is rephrased as how such a learning system is best designed. Moreover, the term “learning path” is introduced to describe how individuals or groups maneuver within a learning system. We argue that to understand this maneuvering, the focus needs to be directed at the perceived learning needs of the actors relative to the challenges they are experiencing. Finally, the article discusses how to improve learning in sustainability transition projects and points to the potential value of using the concepts of learning systems and learning paths in doing so

Food policy networks and their potential to stimulate systemic intermediation for food system transformation

Food policy networks (FPNs) are innovative governance instruments that aim to stimulate much-needed food system transformation. However, there is limited insight into what factors affect their potential to be impactful. This study aimed to investigate what challenges FPNs as systemic transition intermediaries face and how they navigate those challenges. We analyzed four Dutch FPNs using interviews, document analysis, and participant observation. Five major challenges were identified: (1) establishing a diverse core group, (2) engaging with specific actor groups, (3) developing a shared vision and transition pathways, (4) positioning an FPN vis-à-vis government, and (5) meaningfully connecting with other intermediaries. Although several navigation strategies were identified, three elements are considered important for Dutch FPNs and other early development stage FPNs to strengthen their potential to engage in systemic intermediation. First, FPNs need strengthening of their transformative leadership capacity to stimulate production of transformative knowledge and establish meaningful connections to other FPNs. Second, FPNs need stronger partnerships with higher education and research institutions. Third, FPNs need representation of different actor roles to integrate transformative transdisciplinary research approaches. R&I policy support and competence development are essential to stimulate all three and, thus, support FPNs in their ambition to contribute to food system transformation

Food policy networks and their potential to stimulate systemic intermediation for food system transformation

Food policy networks (FPNs) are innovative governance instruments that aim to stimulate much-needed food system transformation. However, there is limited insight into what factors affect their potential to be impactful. This study aimed to investigate what challenges FPNs as systemic transition intermediaries face and how they navigate those challenges. We analyzed four Dutch FPNs using interviews, document analysis, and participant observation. Five major challenges were identified: (1) establishing a diverse core group, (2) engaging with specific actor groups, (3) developing a shared vision and transition pathways, (4) positioning an FPN vis-à-vis government, and (5) meaningfully connecting with other intermediaries. Although several navigation strategies were identified, three elements are considered important for Dutch FPNs and other early development stage FPNs to strengthen their potential to engage in systemic intermediation. First, FPNs need strengthening of their transformative leadership capacity to stimulate production of transformative knowledge and establish meaningful connections to other FPNs. Second, FPNs need stronger partnerships with higher education and research institutions. Third, FPNs need representation of different actor roles to integrate transformative transdisciplinary research approaches. R&I policy support and competence development are essential to stimulate all three and, thus, support FPNs in their ambition to contribute to food system transformation