VISION4FOOD and TealHelix have established a new synergy to drive forward the transformation of Europe’s food systems. While each project brings a distinct perspective and set of tools, they share a strong commitment to inclusive governance, stakeholder engagement, and innovation for sustainability.
VISION4FOOD is dedicated to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of EU food systems by developing innovative governance models. Working across five European regions – Finland, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Poland, the project strengthens local innovation ecosystems through Food Innovation Platforms (FIPs). These platforms are grounded in the quadruple helix approach, connecting policymakers, researchers, businesses, and citizens in co-creating regional solutions. The project also places a strong emphasis on Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and open science, tailoring its strategies to local needs through regional acceleration agendas.
TealHelix, meanwhile, focuses on the consumer-facing dimension of food system change. By leveraging digital and social technologies, the project is developing personalised and inclusive food labelling solutions designed to support informed, sustainable consumer choices. Using techniques such as motivational matching, TealHelix seeks to reduce resistance to sustainable practices by aligning labelling with diverse consumer needs – including those of vulnerable populations. The project integrates behavioural science, life cycle analysis, AI tools and retail innovations to create new standards and integrity guidelines for the food industry.
While their focus areas differ, both projects share important goals:
- Empowering citizens as active participants in sustainable food systems
- Facilitating multi-stakeholder collaboration across sectors and regions
- Promoting responsible innovation and decision-making
- Developing tools and models that are adaptable, inclusive, and scalable
Through this synergy, VISION4FOOD and TealHelix aim to exchange knowledge, align methodologies, and explore opportunities for joint dissemination and impact. Together, they are better positioned to tackle the complexity of food system transformation – from governance frameworks to the everyday decisions made by consumers.
As Europe works towards the goals of the Green Deal and the Farm to Fork Strategy, such collaborations will be key to ensuring that innovation is not only effective, but also equitable and inclusive.
Stay tuned for joint activities and shared insights from this promising partnership.