Research and innovation for accelerating food system transformation

The FIT4FOOD2030 project (2017–2020) was key to supporting the European Commission implement its Food 2030 Research and Innovation Policy Framework throughout Europe. In this publication some of the key outcomes, lessons and recommendations arising out of the project are presented.

A particular emphasis is placed on the findings and learnings of the project’s seven City Labs, seven Food Labs and eleven Policy Labs. These 25 labs built vibrant multi-stakeholder networks, developed visions for future food systems and experimented with new ways of carrying out research and innovation for food system transformation. Building on the principles of responsible research and innovation (RRI), the City and Food Labs co-developed and piloted educational modules at the local level, while the Policy Labs worked on policy innovations at the national and regional levels. The labs were supported by a flexible, reflexive and rigorous approach to setting up and running a lab for transformation, including training sessions, methodologies and practical tools. Important learnings from the lab coordinators and an overview of the practical tools for transformation are also presented.

Finally, recommendations from and implications of the project’s work are spelt out in the 10 Food 2030 Pathways for Action of the European Commission, and will serve to inspire future R&I agenda, projects, R&I funders and the evolving Horizon Europe Partnership entitled “Safe and Sustainable Food Systems for People, Planet and Climate”.