Rural Development Research Platform (RDRP), a proud partner of the RURALITIES project, recently participated in the Food2030 Networks Conference on Transformative Food System Innovation, held from March 5th to 7th, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium.
Key Objectives of the Conference: The conference aimed to:
- Coordinate cross-project collaboration for transforming the agriculture and food system.
- Bring together living labs and innovators focusing on technological, social, governance, and market-driven solutions.
- Foster dialogue with policymakers on overcoming barriers to transformative change.
Conference Highlights:
- March 5th – Workshop for Projects: Participants engaged in meetings and discussions to foster collaboration, exchange good practices, and establish partnerships.
- March 6th – Platforms for Innovators: Emphasis was placed on incremental and transformative innovation within multi-actor systems, aligning with the quad helix model.
- March 7th – Dialogue with Policymakers: Decision-makers’ roles were discussed extensively, underscoring the importance of engaging policymakers in transformative initiatives.
Conclusion: The conference showcased a pragmatic approach, transitioning from organizational focus to addressing issues within multi-actor systems. Emphasis was placed on systemic thinking, transformative innovation, and multi-actor collaboration, reflecting a dynamic shift towards holistic food system transformation.
RDRP is committed to leveraging insights gained from this conference to further contribute to transformative food system innovation and sustainable rural development.
