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Innovation for Future Proofing the Food Ecosystem: Emerging Approaches

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Innovation in Food Ecosystems

Part of the book series: Contributions to Management Science ((MANAGEMENT SC.))

Abstract

The European food ecosystem is not well-prepared for the looming future global challenges. However through research and innovation, and the ensuing open innovation activities, food ecosystems may become the perfect arena for combining the knowledge specificities of its many actors, especially SMEs and startups in efforts to create effective and sustainable transformations in the food ecosystem. This chapter aims to present an up-to-date reflection on the dynamics and drivers of innovation in food ecosystems and their related challenges in ensuring human health and environmental sustainability. We discuss the concept of innovation specifically in food ecosystems and present a synthesis of the current limitations and opportunities to improve food ecosystem sustainability. We then discuss the implications that foster regional innovation cultures within food ecosystems and present the main areas in need for innovation in food ecosystems, as identified by diverse food ecosystem members. Furthermore, we introduce examples of noteworthy food startups that seek to drive sustainability either by changing consumer behavior, or providing more efficient farming techniques. Finally, we briefly discuss the future directions with food ecosystem research and innovation, and suggest the employment of both top-down and bottom-up approaches to identify areas in need of transformation in food ecosystems.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Hydroponic farming is a method of growing plants without soil by instead using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent.

  2. 2.

    Business-to-business (B2B or, in some countries, BtoB) is a situation where one business makes a commercial transaction with another.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management, University of Turin, School of Management and Economics, Turin, Italy

    Paola De Bernardi & Danny Azucar

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  1. Paola De Bernardi
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  2. Danny Azucar
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De Bernardi, P., Azucar, D. (2020). Innovation for Future Proofing the Food Ecosystem: Emerging Approaches. In: Innovation in Food Ecosystems. Contributions to Management Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33502-1_4

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