Research and innovation as a catalyst for food system transformation

den Boer, A. C. L, Kok, K. P. W, Gill, M., Breda, J., Cahill, J., Callenius, C., Caron, P., Damianova, Z., Gurinovic, M., Lähteenmäki, L., Lang, T., Sonnino, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3253-1028, Verburg, G., Westhoek, H., Cesuroglu, T., Regeer, B. J. and Broerse, J. E. W. 2021. Research and innovation as a catalyst for food system transformation. Trends in Food Science and Technology 107 , pp. 150-156. 10.1016/j.tifs.2020.09.021

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Abstract

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.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Geography and Planning (GEOPL)
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0924-2244
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	7 October 2020
Date of Acceptance:	19 September 2020
Last Modified:	13 Nov 2024 19:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/135388

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