Advances in Building a Common European Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda

From 27 to 29 April 2026, FutureFoodS WP2 members gathered in person at the Campus de la Transition (Forges, France), a unique “living lab” dedicated to ecological and social transformation.

The meeting marked a key step toward the consolidation of the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA). Building on the results of the open consultation, previously shared among partners, participants engaged in a structured and participatory process to analyse data, compare perspectives, and align priorities. Work sessions alternated between plenary discussions and small-group activities, focusing on:

• Collective interpretation of consultation results

• Identification of synergies between Research & Innovation (R&I)

• Definition of key concepts to support future communication outputs.

The programme also included a case study on the systemic approach of the Campus de la Transition, alongside thematic exchanges such as Food Social Security, contributing to a broader reflection on sustainable food systems.

The final day was dedicated to refining the SRIA and defining the next operational steps, including task allocation across working groups.

Beyond the formal sessions, the setting played a significant role. The Campus experience—centered on sustainable practices, on-site vegetarian food production, and community life—provided a coherent backdrop to the project’s objectives and encouraged informal exchanges and team building.

The meeting brought together a diverse consortium of partners, including ANR, CIHEAM Bari, EA, INRAE, LUKE, MASAF, UNIFI, WR reinforcing the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of WP2.

Overall, the event resulted in tangible progress toward a shared SRIA, with clearer research priorities and stronger integration between innovation, policy, and sustainable food systems.