KBBE.2013.2.3-02: Network for the transfer of knowledge on traditional foods to SMEs

Call: FP7-KBBE-2013-7 – single stage

The objectives are: (1) transfer knowledge and apply research results in traditional foods in SMEs; (2) develop a strategic research and innovation agenda for traditional foods; and (3) foster entrepreneurship. SMEs producing traditional food products, in particular craft producers, usually have little capability of their own for research and innovation and seldom possess the financial and human resources needed to participate in collaborative projects with universities or research centres. Ethnic foods may be considered in this topic as well.
The first aim of this topic is to establish or support a network that transfers innovative knowledge to SMEs or among existing SME programmes, clusters or associations. The network initiates and facilitates collaboration to develop or improve sustainable and innovative processes and technologies with the objective of improving the quality, safety and environmental performance of traditional food products made by SMEs. At the same time, production protocols for traditional products are stabilised. The network helps SMEs to deal with legal issues in food innovation such as intellectual property rights and the  European food law – also making the best possible use of labels for geographical indications and traditional specialities –, and supports their product development strategies and competitiveness.
A second task for the network is, where necessary, to come up with a strategic research agenda for traditional foods that is based on specific food groups and responds to the needs of all stakeholders.
As a third task, the topic stimulates innovation and entrepreneurship among food researchers, commercial take-up of food R&D results, and entrepreneurial networking. Training modules and programmes for food researchers are developed, translated into a variety of languages and implemented.
In close collaboration with the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability', the network makes use of existing or emerging innovative activities and entrepreneurship training programmes at local, regional or national level, e.g. those funded by the rural development programmes of the Common Agricultural Policy or by local, regional or national initiatives. The funds for the network are used mainly to fund action at cross-regional, cross-border or EU level. The network makes the tools developed available to other stakeholders.
The network is made up of several sub-networks, each having a limited focus – for example a region, a language, a food or a food group, a specifically defined production system or innovative and fair distribution concepts – in order to address directly the SMEs targeted. The network can also connect ongoing national or regional initiatives such as the national platforms of the European Technology Platform (ETP) 'Food for Life' or projects supported by other EU schemes. A leading role in the governance of the proposed project should be given to SMEs, clusters or associations.

Funding scheme: Coordination and Support Action (supporting action).
Up to two projects may be funded.
Additional eligibility criterion:
- The requested European Union contribution shall not exceed EUR 4 000 000 per proposal.

Expected impact: The results of the project are expected to be of interest and potential benefit to the SMEs and other market players that are members of the network or collaborate with it. The actions facilitate effective transfer of innovations to and between stakeholders in the traditional agri-food business in order to maintain and increase the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, in particular of SMEs, on an increasingly global European market. Other kinds of impact are consumer satisfaction and a contribution to a transparent and sustainable supply chain with higher bio-resource efficiency. Europe-wide, the entrepreneurship training part has a marked impact on entrepreneurship, by addressing innovation skills gaps, and on capacity-building, by generating motivated and knowledgeable entrepreneurs in the food sector. The high European added value of this action lies in the support it will give to the EU Innovation Union in the form of upgrading and sharing knowledge, contributing to a socially inclusive and healthy Europe, and developing sustainable collective governance approaches at local, regional, and national levels. Achievement of the three tasks on a regional basis also supports Member States and regions in developing their smart specialisation strategies by focusing, where appropriate, on the traditional food sector, with a view to strengthening regional competitiveness and the regional economy. The challenge is pan-European and clearly goes beyond national interests. Projects supported under this topic lead to greater integration of research players and activities from across the European Union, and from the candidate countries.