Are Agri-Food Systems Really Switching to a Circular Economy Model? Implications for European Research and Innovation Policy

The shift from a linear model to a circular model can significantly reduce the negative pressures on the environment and contribute to restoring biodiversity and natural capital in Europe. In this view, research and innovation (R&I) play a relevant role in setting the modalities of this transition. Therefore, the European Commission (EC) recently promoted dedicated research activity instruments in this vital area of the economy and in society as a whole. This paper aims to shed light on current public efforts on R&I supporting the transition to the CE (circular economy) model, opening a critical debate on the actual relevance of the CE in current R&I policy with its major research policy schemes in the recent programming periods of 2007–2013 and 2014–2020. Looking at the most significant EC programs sponsoring R&I, it seems that the will to increase the sustainability of the agri-food system and to foster the socio-technical transition towards circularity is evident but not very relevant. The data presented leaves some open questions concerning the effective commitment of European countries to promoting resource efficiency via R&I.

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The Role of Research and Innovation in the Transformation of Agri-Food Systems

Annals ”Valahia” University of Targoviste - Agriculture ◽

10.2478/agr-2018-0019 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 60-63

Author(s):

Mariana Sandu ◽

Stefan Mantea

Keyword(s):

Technological Progress ◽

Food Systems ◽

Food System ◽

Agricultural Research ◽

Research And Innovation ◽

And Performance ◽

The Impact ◽

Determinant Factor ◽

Rapid Transformation

Abstract Agri-food systems include branching ramifications, which connect in the upstream the input suppliers with farmers, and downstream farmers, processors, retailers and consumers. In the last decades, at the level of the regions, food systems have undergone rapid transformation as a result of technological progress. The paper analyzes the changes made to the structure, behavior and performance of the agri-food system and the impact on farmers and consumers. Also, the role of agricultural research as a determinant factor of transformation of agri-food system is analyzed. The research objective is to develop technologies that cover the entire food chain (from farm to fork) and meet the specific requirements of consumers (from fork to farm) through scientific solutions in line with the principles of sustainable agriculture and ensuring the safety and food safety of the population.

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Moving from Niche to Norm: Lessons from Food Waste Initiatives

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13147667 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (14) ◽

pp. 7667

Author(s):

Lusine H. Aramyan ◽

Gonne Beekman ◽

Joris Galama ◽

Sandra van der Haar ◽

Maarten Visscher ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Waste ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Food Systems ◽

Food System ◽

Behavioural Change ◽

Policy Instruments ◽

Transition Process ◽

Personal Factors ◽

Success Traits

For a transition to a circular economy to take place, behavioural change from people who are part of the transition is a key requirement. However, this change often does not occur by itself. For systemic behavioural change, policy instruments that incentivise behaviour supporting circular food systems play a key role. These instruments need to be aligned with the environment in which the behaviour takes place. In this study, we scrutinise a case study with five initiatives on the reduction of food loss and waste (FLW) contributing to a circular food system, to understand how specific, well-targeted combinations of instruments as well as other contextual and personal factors can fuel the transition to a circular economy and the reduction of FLW. All the initiatives are taking place under the umbrella of the Dutch initiative “United against food waste” (STV). We use a behavioural change perspective to assess how initiatives that support circular food systems arise and how they can be further supported. Based on the case-study analysis, we arrive at five common success traits and barriers, and five key needs for upscaling. We conclude that motivated, inspiring frontrunners are of key importance in the initial phase of a transition process. However, once a niche initiative is ready to be scaled up, the enabling environment becomes increasingly important.

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The EU’s farm to fork strategy: missing links for transformation

Acta Innovations ◽

10.32933/actainnovations.36.2 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 17-30 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sinead Mowlds

Keyword(s):

Supply Chain ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Food Systems ◽

Food System ◽

Action Plan ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Environmentally Friendly

The Farm-to-Fork strategy, launched in May 2020, is the first attempt at a European-wide approach to food systems of this scale. The strategy sets ambitious targets and aims to create a ‘fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system’. Yet, within the bounds of its own regulatory and legislative context (including the Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan and the new Biodiversity Strategy 2030), the strategy falls short of recognising key links in and between the food system. This review posits that the strategy and its targets do not adequately consider the importance of transforming agricultural practices for environmental outcomes; of agricultural practices for nutrition outcomes; nor the links between how we value nutrition along the supply chain, from farm to fork

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TRANSFORMATION OF THE MATERIAL PRODUCTION MODEL FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BIOSPHERE-COMPATIBLE ECONOMY PARADIGM

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS IN MODERN SCIENCE ◽

10.26886/2414-634x.1(37)2020.2 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (37) ◽

pp. 28

Author(s):

Н. Shpakova

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Construction Industry ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Natural Capital ◽

Production Model ◽

Economy Model ◽

The World ◽

System Components ◽

Product Creation ◽

Growing Population

The complication of the environmental situation in the world makes mankind look for new economic models in which sustainable development is provided. With the growing population of the planet and its needs, there is an overconsumption of natural resources. The factors that are formed as a result of polymorphism of the system components «economy»-«ecology»-«society» are considered. It is proposed to replace the linear economy model, implemented in particular in the construction industry, with a model of the circular economy with its main imperatives oriented to biosphere-compatible construction at all stages of product creation while preserving natural resources.Keywords: circular economy, recycling, functional transformation, natural capital, greening, object life cycle

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Transforming Research and Innovation for Sustainable Food Systems—A Coupled-Systems Perspective

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11247176 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (24) ◽

pp. 7176 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Kristiaan P. W. Kok ◽

Alanya C. L. den Boer ◽

Tomris Cesuroglu ◽

Marjoleine G. van der Meij ◽

Renée de Wildt-Liesveld ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Systems ◽

Food System ◽

Systems Approach ◽

Second Order ◽

Coupled Systems ◽

Sustainable Food ◽

Systems Perspective ◽

Research And Innovation ◽

Policy Environments ◽

Systems Transformation

Current research and innovation (R&I) systems are not equipped to fully serve as catalysts for the urgently needed transformation of food systems. Though research on food systems transformation (first order: ‘what?’) and transformative research (second order: ‘how to’) are rapidly gaining traction in academic and policy environments, current efforts fail to explicitly recognize the systemic nature of the challenges associated with performing transformative second-order research. To recognize these manifold and interlinked challenges embedded in R&I systems, there is a need for a coupled-systems perspective. Transformations are needed in food systems as well as R&I systems (‘how to do the “how to”’). We set out to conceptualize an approach that aims to trigger double transformations by nurturing innovations at the boundaries of R&I systems and food systems that act upon systemic leverage points, so that their multisystem interactions can better support food system transformations. We exemplify this coupled-systems approach by introducing the FIT4FOOD2030 project with its 25 living labs as a promising multilevel boundary innovation at the cross-section of R&I and food systems. We illustrate how this approach paves the way for double systems transformations, and therefore for an R&I system that is fit for future-proofing food systems.

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Proposal of a circular model for the management of usable waste in low-income municipalities in Colombia

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-10414 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Camilo Andres Vargas Terranova ◽

Javier Rodrigo Ilarri ◽

María Elena Rodrigo Clavero ◽

Paula Andrea Bustos Castro

Keyword(s):

Solid Waste ◽

Low Income ◽

Circular Economy ◽

Environmental Benefits ◽

Second Phase ◽

Production Chain ◽

Economy Model ◽

Circular Model ◽

The Cost ◽

Five Phases

PROPOSAL OF A CIRCULAR MODEL FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF USABLE WASTE IN LOW-INCOME MUNICIPALITIES IN COLOMBIA&#160;Camilo-A. Vargas-Terranova 1, Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri 2, Mar&#237;a-Elena Rodrigo-Clavero 2, Paula-A. Bustos-Castro31&#160; Programa de Ingenier&#237;a Ambiental y Sanitaria, Universidad de La Salle, Carrera 2 # 10-70, Piso 6-Bloque A, 111711, Bogot&#225;, Colombia; [email protected]2&#160;&#160; Universitat Polite&#768;cnica de Vale&#768;ncia (UPV), 46022 Valencia, Spain; [email protected]; [email protected]3&#160;&#160; Quipus Consultores SAS, Carrera 8 # 16-36, 250010, Cota, Colombia; [email protected]&#160;Waste reuse is a main activity included in the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) system in Colombia. However, the economic costs related with these activities are not usually included within the service fee. Therefore, operators who perform reuse activities are not formalized or legally constituted and they do not always find a significant economic benefit. This on-going research raises a proposal for a circular model for usable waste in order to add value to the different stages that make up the recovery activity, generating social and environmental benefits.The circular economy model for the reuse of waste has five phases: i) solid waste generation; ii) solid waste collection; iii) classification of solid waste in collection centers; iv) delivery to an external manager and v) reinstatement to the production chain, to finally return to the first stage.The financial analysis of the circular economy model is also divided into five phases. In the first phase a basic calculation is made as a reference on the cost of the operation of the public cleaning service, the staff payment cost, the operation of the vehicle fleet and the cost of final waste disposal. In the second and third phases, two scenarios are raised regarding the state of the collection center in a municipality. Specifically, in the second phase, the scenario of a municipality that does not have a collection center or classification and utilization station is proposed. The investment in locating, adapting and building a collection center with different sizes is calculated. In the third phase, a scenario is proposed where a municipality already has a collection center, so the investment for its operation is calculated.In the fourth phase, the scenarios proposed with the reference value are evaluated. Also, the behavior of production of usable waste and the fluctuation of values in the purchase and sale of this waste in low-income municipalities are determined.Finally, in the fifth phase, a synthesis of the economic valuation is made, evaluating the scenarios for the municipalities, determining the amount of income and expenses.

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The circular economy model as a promising path towards regional ecological and economic balance

Upravlenie ◽

10.26425/2309-3633-2021-9-4-75-87 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. 75-87

Author(s):

M. Yu. Dyakov

Keyword(s):

Circular Economy ◽

Economic Model ◽

Federal District ◽

Waste Recycling ◽

Economic Activities ◽

Economy Model ◽

Goods And Services ◽

Circular Model ◽

Regional Product ◽

Far Eastern

The article presents the results of an analysis of the possibilities for the transition of the region’s economy to a circular economic model. According to the aim of this article the main economic activities and tools for making such a transition in Kamchatka Territory have been identified. The principles of the circular economy and its advantages over the traditional “linear” model have been analysed. On the example of the Kamchatka Territory, the preconditions and prospects for the region’s transition to a circular economy model in terms of the existing structure of production of goods and services have been analysed. Using MS Excel tools, the structure of the gross regional product has been analysed, according to the results of which the main economic activities that are promising for the transition to a circular model have been identified. Regional indicators for waste recycling and neutralisation have been analysed, and chain coefficients have been calculated for growth in the share of recycled and neutralised waste for Russia as a whole, for the Far Eastern Federal District and Kamchatka Territory. Based on the results of the calculation, it has been concluded that the coefficient values for the Kamchatka Territory lag behind those for the whole of Russia and the Far Eastern Federal District. A number of financial and economic, technological, legal and informational tools have been identified, the use of which makes it possible to implement the transition to a circular economic model. Fisheries, energy, tourism, recycling and waste management have been identified as the most promising economic activities for such a transition. The findings conclude that it is important to continue research into the various aspects of the transition to a circular economy, as well as continued coordinated efforts are needed to implement it.

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University Influence in Urban Food Systems

Metropolitan Universities ◽

10.18060/21478 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 2-6

Author(s):

Julie M. Fox

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Systems ◽

Teaching And Learning ◽

Food System ◽

Research And Innovation ◽

Teaching And Learning Research ◽

Metropolitan Universities ◽

Learning Research ◽

Urban Contexts ◽

Urban Food Systems

This themed issue of Metropolitan Universities journal illustrates how urban universities lead and contribute to food system teaching and learning; research and innovation; outreach and engagement; and resource stewardship. Common themes emerging in this issue include the essential approach of collaboration; the value of diverse voices and perspectives; the influence of distinct urban contexts; and the complexity of food security and other system issues.

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Experimenting with RRI tools to Drive Sustainable Agri-Food Research: The SASS Case Study from Sub-Saharan Africa

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su12030827 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 827 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Luca Tricarico ◽

Andrea Galimberti ◽

Ausilia Campanaro ◽

Chiara Magoni ◽

Massimo Labra

Keyword(s):

Food Systems ◽

Food System ◽

Sub Saharan Africa ◽

Innovation Development ◽

Research And Innovation ◽

Food Research ◽

Sub Saharan ◽

Definition Of ◽

Responsible Research

The need to develop experimental tools for a responsible research and innovation (RRI) framework is relevant for managing research agendas and policy making that seriously take into account the complex conditions of innovation development (linked to multidisciplinarity and interaction processes) between the researchers and their fieldwork activities. The adoption of an RRI framework is even more important for multidisciplinary and complex issues, such as the agri-food system. In this context, the SASS (Sustainable Agri-food Systems for Sustainable Development (SASS) project represents a good example for verifying the application of the RRI strategy in a varied research group committed to the development of sustainable agri-food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. The project, which involves more than 50 researchers from different fields of knowledge and theoretical backgrounds, showed the importance of the processes of reflection, re-driving, and convergence in the definition of research objectives and strategies. This process started by experimenting with new dedicated RRI tools in order to allow interactions between the researchers, including exchanging their experience in data collection and theoretical reflection development. With respect to this analysis, it was interesting to analyze how the RRI tools and strategies have been activated between researchers and different stakeholders, generating reflections capable of re-adapting the results towards shared and accessible innovation for the extended society. Following the discussion based on the description of the SASS-RRI agenda tools and following an internal verification given from an RRI-based web survey, this contribution provides new insights, in terms of tools and strategies, to promote and refine RRI approaches. This work underlines how RRI methods have promoted internal and external interactions to connect the research objectives towards a model of open innovation.

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The Challenge of Food Systems Research: What Difference Does It Make?

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11010171 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 171 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Ruerd Ruben ◽

Jan Verhagen ◽

Christine Plaisier

Keyword(s):

Systems Analysis ◽

Food Systems ◽

Food System ◽

System Transformation ◽

Critical System ◽

Research And Innovation ◽

Complex Interactions ◽

Systems Research ◽

Food And Nutrition ◽

Scale Levels

Recent discussions on the results of food security programs devote key attention to complex interactions between policy interventions and business innovation for improving nutrition outcomes. This shift from linear approaches of food and nutrition security towards a more interlinked and nested analysis of food systems dynamics has profound implications for the design and organization of research and innovation processes. In this article we outline our experience with interdisciplinary and interactive processes of food systems analysis at different scale levels, paying systematic attention to three critical system interfaces: intersections with other systems, interactions within the food system, and incentives for food system innovations (the so-called: 3I approach). We discuss the importance of these interfaces for leveraging food system adaptation and managing food system transformation. We also provide illustrative examples of the relevance of food systems analysis for the identification of appropriate and effective programs for reinforcing the resilience, responsiveness and inclusiveness of novel food and nutrition programs.

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