The food chain as a development arena for new tools and a new organisational model for collaboration
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Sweden Food Arena ek för |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 302 978 |
| Project duration | July 2020 - June 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The goal has been to develop tools to drive innovation in a value chain based on companies´ needs. The aim was to create incentives for increased innovation in the food chain for increased sustainability and competitiveness. The project has suggested methods for development and organization for how increased value creation can be created. The lessons learned can also be applied to other areas. Awareness of how cooperation can contribute to increased innovation in the food chain has increased, which can be seen as a step towards a sustainable change in the food chain.
Expected long term effects
Proposals for developing the industry with innovation and research have been developed. Four proposals should be implemented in the near future as they are crucial for investment in the food sector in the Research Policy Bill: - Effort national collaboration on research and innovation - Increased utilization of research in the industry - Effort on regional innovation support through coordination between national and regional actors - Graduate school that strengthens the competitiveness of the food industry More proposals exist that should be discussed with different agencies.
Approach and implementation
Five background reports (by researchers) and a final report have been produced. In total, over 60 people from 41 companies (17 people from SMEs) participated in two workshops on challenges and opportunities for innovation in the plant-based value chain. All reports have been discussed at webinars with 40-160 participants. The project´s analyzes and conclusions have been discussed with a reference group with agencies, Business Sweden and IVA and also with DG:s from Formas, the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth and Vinnova.