How can inclusive partnerships drive the transformation of our food systems?

FOODPathS partners from EUFIC, ICLEI, and INRAE published a new opinion article, “Transforming Food Systems through Inclusive Partnerships: Insights from FOODPathS”, featured in the peer-reviewed journal Agro FOOD Industry Hi Tech. This timely article highlights the urgent need for a systemic and collaborative shift in the way food is produced, distributed, and consumed in Europe and beyond.

Why change is needed

The food sector is under pressure. From climate change to resource scarcity and growing social inequalities, today’s challenges are complex and deeply interconnected. The article underscores that sustainable solutions will only emerge through coordinated action and inclusive collaboration.

What FOODPathS brings to the table

FOODPathS contributes to the European Commission’s Partnership on Sustainable Food Systems (FutureFoodS). The project is building a Prototype for what an inclusive, well-functioning partnership could look like — one that balances innovation, inclusivity, and long-term impact.

Key insights from the article include:

• Many current collaborations focus on public-private innovation, but inclusivity remains limited.
• A strong partnership needs clear governance, strategic direction, funding, and ways to track progress.
• Inclusivity isn’t just a value — it’s a strategy. Tools like Mirror Groups have helped FOODPathS engage a wider range of voices in shaping solutions.

Want to learn more?

Download the full article to discover FOODPathS’ recommendations, key lessons from multi-stakeholder cases across Europe, and how these insights are feeding into FutureFoodS and other EU initiatives.