On June 23–24, 2025, the Faculty of Economics at the University of Life Sciences in Poznań (PULS) – a partner of the Food4CE Project – took part in the national scientific conference “Po pierwsze gospodarka” (Economy First), organized by the Office of the SME Ombudsman.
The event, hosted in Poznań, brought together academics, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to discuss key economic challenges and opportunities, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and the role of SMEs.
At a dedicated booth, PULS representatives introduced the Food4CE Project implemented under the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE programme. Participants were introduced to the project’s main goals, including:
- Enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of short food supply chains through better logistics, transport, storage, and digital tools.
- Establishing a network of Innovation Hubs – six regional and one transnational – that serve as collaborative “living labs” for science, business, farmers, and public institutions.
- Showcasing practical tools developed by the project: the PULS Innovation Center, acting as one of the regional hubs; the Knowledge Transfer Platform (KTP), providing resources on logistics, sustainable packaging, and business models for AFNs; and the Matchmaking Platform, designed to connect key players in the local food ecosystem – from producers to consumers
The conference offered a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, explore collaborations, and raise awareness of Food4CE’s mission to build a more resilient and locally rooted food system in Central Europe.