Empowering European Food Systems: VISION4FOOD kicks off in Brussels
Wageningen, The Netherlands – January 2025 – The VISION4FOOD project, an exciting new initiative under the Horizon Europe framework, officially launched on January 23rd with a successful kickoff meeting in Brussels. Bringing together 13 partners from 8 countries, VISION4FOOD is set to enhance the sustainability and resilience of EU food systems by fostering innovation and social engagement across five diverse European regions: Finland, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Poland.
Transforming food systems with innovative governance models
VISION4FOOD aims to create and implement innovative governance models that empower decision-making processes and accelerate food system transformation. Central to its mission is the development of Food Innovation Platforms (FIPs), which will unite stakeholders from academia, industry, civil society, and policy-making (Quadruple Helix) to co-create research and innovation strategies tailored to the unique needs of each region. These platforms will drive knowledge exchange, prioritize regional challenges, and facilitate the scaling of solutions for more sustainable and inclusive food systems.
Tackling key challenges
The project addresses pressing issues in food system governance, including fragmented decision-making, low inclusivity, and a lack of region-specific solutions. By promoting open science and embedding Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) principles, VISION4FOOD ensures that its strategies are inclusive, scientifically robust, and aligned with local needs. Additionally, the project directly supports the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy and Food 2030 priorities by fostering innovations that enhance nutrition, health, circularity, and climate resilience.
A collaborative consortium for regional impact
The VISION4FOOD consortium represents a dynamic collaboration of leading organizations, including research institutes, regional authorities, civil society organizations, and industry stakeholders. With expertise spanning governance, sustainability, and regional innovation, partners from Belgium, Spain, Greece, The Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Italy, and Finland are poised to transform food systems in regions with varying levels of innovation ecosystem maturity. This diverse network ensures that lessons learned and best practices can be transferred and scaled across Europe.
Expected outcomes
Through its multistakeholder approach, VISION4FOOD will deliver tailored acceleration agendas for each pilot region, strengthening innovation ecosystems and governance frameworks. The project will generate actionable tools and insights to enhance decision-making, foster partnerships, and build capacity for systemic change. By engaging with regional actors and facilitating co-creation activities, VISION4FOOD aims to unlock the innovation potential of businesses and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive environmental, social, and economic impacts.
Join us in shaping the future of food systems
VISION4FOOD invites stakeholders to follow and engage with the project as it works to shape a more sustainable and inclusive food future for Europe. For more information or to get involved, visit us here or contact the project team.
Contact Information:
Annie Kalimeri, (akalimeri@white-research.eu), Coordinator of VISION4FOOD project