On 7 and 8 May 2025, the Food4CE project took centre stage at the 18th Research Forum of Austrian Universities of Applied Sciences, hosted at FH Campus Wien, with a contribution from David Strauß of the University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna.
In his talk titled “Sustainable local food supply through alternative food networks – comparing business models in five European countries”, Strauß presented the findings of a comprehensive comparative analysis of business models within Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) across the five countries involved in the project – Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, and Poland. Using the Business Model Canvas framework, the study highlighted both common elements – such as the relevance of customer segments, value propositions, and revenue streams – and key differences related to resources, strategic partnerships, and customer relationships, shaped by regional regulations and local contexts.
The event also served as a key opportunity to introduce the Austrian Future Food Connective Innovation Hub, established by UAS BFI Vienna as part of the Food4CE project. The Hub is designed to foster innovation in the field of short food supply chains by creating a collaborative space for producers, consumers, logistics experts, and researchers. Through networking activities, knowledge exchange, and cross-border sharing of best practices, the Innovation Hub supports the development of sustainable and resilient solutions for local food supply.
Participation in the forum offered a valuable occasion to strengthen the connection between applied research and regional development, in line with Food4CE’s mission: to enhance alternative food networks and co-design innovative logistics models that respond to the environmental, economic, and social challenges of Central Europe.