The fourth Food4CE newsletter is out!
Over the past few months, the Food4CE project has achieved important milestones towards strengthening Central European Alternative Food Networks (AFNs). The launch of the Knowledge Transfer Platform (KTP), the Matchmaking Platform (MP), and the establishment of 5 Innovation Hubs in all participating countries (Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Poland) mark a significant step forward in fostering collaboration, sharing logistics expertise, and supporting sustainable food systems.
The Innovation Hubs serve as local development centers tailored to address the specific needs of AFNs in each region. These hubs foster regional innovation and community engagement, enabling stakeholders to co-create solutions that benefit both producers and consumers. To facilitate knowledge transfer, co-create innovative solutions, and foster matchmaking opportunities among AFN stakeholders, Innovation Hubs will provide their members with two essential tools: the Knowledge Transfer Platform and the Matchmaking Platform.
The Knowledge Transfer Platform serves as an online tool, designed to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices among AFNs, addressing logistical challenges and fostering short, sustainable food supply chains.
It offers a range of features, including knowledge transfer on logistic solutions, showcases best practices, has interactive learning materials and an interactive AFNs map. The platform aims to optimize AFN activities, reduce costs, and improve resource management, strengthening the connection between local producers and consumers within a circular and sustainable economy.
The Matchmaking Platform, designed as a web-based ‘marketplace’ tool, aims to facilitate the development of new logistical solutions and services for AFNs by fostering innovative partnerships, enhancing logistics services, and promoting sustainable practices. In doing so, it will play a key role in transforming the alternative food sector, making it more efficient, sustainable, and equitable.
In the upcoming months, Innovation Hubs will also expand its activities, further strengthening their role as key drivers of local innovation and collaboration. Additionally, the groundwork for the creation of a Transnational Innovation Hub is being prepared, which will bring together stakeholders from across Central Europe to promote cross-border collaboration and drive systemic change.
In this newsletter we provide an outlook of the launch activities for each Innovation Hub, as well as an update on the main activities carried out by the consortium, along with the latest news and upcoming events.
Read on to learn how these innovations could change the future of food logistics in Central Europe.