VISION4FOOD is a Horizon Europe project aiming to enhance the sustainability and resilience of European food systems by developing innovative governance models that support informed decision-making and encourage social engagement. Operating across five diverse regions—Finland, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Poland—the project will adapt to varying levels of innovation ecosystem maturity to drive impactful change.

Through the creation of Food Innovation Platforms (FIPs), VISION4FOOD will strengthen collaboration among Quadruple Helix stakeholders (academia, industry, government, and civil society). These platforms will help identify, scale, and implement innovations that accelerate the transformation of food systems.

Our approach will center on co-creation, promoting open science and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) to ensure inclusive and effective solutions. By integrating tools and services, we will empower regions with the necessary support for knowledge exchange, networking, and priority setting, delivering a tailored acceleration agenda that aligns with local needs and aspirations.

To ensure lasting impact, we will closely monitor and evaluate the performance of our governance models, providing evidence-based insights into their effectiveness. Through this multi-stakeholder approach, VISION4FOOD will pave the way for a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive food system in Europe.

Through the project, our regions will be supported to strengthen their role in the creation of Food Innovation Platforms (FIPs), by fostering collaboration among Quadruple Helix stakeholders, and facilitating the identification and scaling of innovations to transform food systems.

Our objectives: 

VISION4FOOD has the following core objectives:

• Perform a business focused analysis of R&I ecosystems and food system value chains, understand the food systems dynamics, and identify current bottlenecks and opportunities for strengthening existing R&I ecosystems with a “food systems” approach in order to support the EU’s farm to fork objectives and food 2030 priorities
• Identify novel governance models and define an acceleration agenda framework and support tools to empower the quadruple helix actors to collaborate in regional innovation ecosystems that can foster a food system transformation.
• Deploy a Quadruple Helix governance model in the form of the open, inclusive and transparent Food Innovation Platforms, engage regional food systems actors and define a locally-tailored acceleration agendas and respective acceleration solutions.
• Deploy the regional acceleration agendas in 5 EU regions and put in place solutions that will strengthen the regional innovation ecosystems and broaden their scope towards a food systems approach.
• Transfer findings to additional regions by engaging in mutual learning activities in order to stimulate new ecosystems of innovation and equip EU policy and decision makers with clear and forward-looking guidelines on how to nurture environments that can enable regional innovation ecosystems with a food systems approach.

Quadruple Helix Governance Model

The Quadruple Helix (4H) governance model integrates four key sectors—government, industry, academia, and civil society—to foster innovation and drive sustainable transformations in food systems. By deploying this model, VISION4FOOD facilitates the involvement of a broad range of stakeholders in regional food system transformations. This approach ensures that all relevant actors engage in decision-making, define acceleration agendas, and implement sustainable solutions tailored to local needs.

Key tools such as the Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) and capacity-building initiatives support effective governance, providing essential resources and frameworks for collaboration among 4H actors throughout the development and execution of regional acceleration agendas.

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) Principles

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) guides the development of food system solutions by embedding ethical, inclusive, and sustainable principles into the innovation process. The goal is to ensure that innovations not only meet technical and scientific standards but also align with societal needs and values. RRI promotes active stakeholder engagement, transparency, and open science, ensuring that local communities and diverse societal groups are involved in shaping the future of food systems.

VISION4FOOD utilizes RRI to facilitate the adoption of farm-to-fork objectives, encouraging stakeholders to incorporate these principles into their regional development strategies. This process helps align regional agendas with broader EU goals, ensuring that food system transformations are ethical, sustainable, and beneficial for all.

Food Innovation Platforms (FIPs)

Food Innovation Platforms (FIPs) act as collaborative hubs that empower regional stakeholders to co-create sustainable food system solutions. These platforms provide essential technical assistance, facilitate mutual learning, and promote the development of innovative ecosystems. FIPs play a critical role in regions with varying levels of innovation maturity, from less integrated to more developed areas, supporting their transition to a food systems approach.

VISION4FOOD focuses on strengthening innovative ecosystems in five EU regions, providing them with the necessary tools and resources to implement regional acceleration agendas. FIPs foster collaboration among stakeholders—governments, industry, academia, and civil society—helping to identify opportunities for scaling innovations that address local food system challenges. 

Acceleration Agenda

The Acceleration Agenda is a strategic framework designed to guide regions in their transition towards sustainable food systems. Developed and implemented via the Food Innovation Platforms (FIPs), this agenda is tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities of each region, with a focus on aligning with smart specialization strategies. These agendas are key to driving innovative, sustainable, and ethical solutions to regional food system challenges.

VISION4FOOD identifies regions with priorities relevant to sustainable food systems, including those in Finland, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Poland. It supports these regions by analyzing and connecting them with relevant smart specialization partnerships, such as the Thematic Smart Specialization Platform on Agri-food, to align efforts and resources. The Acceleration Agenda enables local stakeholders to engage in participatory processes, co-create innovation strategies, and foster synergies across sectors.

Join us in shaping the future of food systems across Europe. Together, we can create a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food ecosystem!