Pro-active in strategic networks for a circular and climate-neutral society

Stakeholders such as investors and policy makers need to create incentives that encourage sustainable practice while improving economic feasibility. The KB-34 Strategic Positioning project supports these activities in the fields of circular economy, agriculture, climate and transition research. Activities range from co-writing strategic research agendas in various research areas to involvement in EU research policy and initiatives for future EU projects. The project team and KB programme management recently discussed the achievements and aspirations for the future.

Take researchers involved in the OECD Food Chain Analysis Network, for example, in which they highlight the importance of financial incentives from richer non-European countries in promoting sustainability in food production to significantly accelerate the transition to a more sustainable food system. For Europe's fishing industry and aquaculture, the development of advanced research facilities is essential. By integrating innovative technologies and methods within the EFARO network, these facilities can contribute to sustainable fishing practices and the protection of marine ecosystems. The establishment of the Transition Coalition Food, a coalition of Dutch frontrunners that focuses on developing a new agriculture and food system, is another important initiative. By working together and sharing knowledge, these parties can develop innovative solutions that are ecologically sound as well as economically sustainable.

A sustainable environment for the longer term

Of a completely different order is a strategic position within the Microbiome Support Association. This gives academics the opportunity to design microbiome research with other stakeholders as a basis for solutions to societal challenges. When 'sourcing' biomass for biobased applications and bioenergy, it is essential to ensure circularity. Through EERA Bioenergy, researchers argue for methods that also take into account soil quality, for a healthy and sustainable environment also in the much longer term. The Animal Task Force plays an important role in promoting innovation within the European livestock sector. By putting sustainable yet competitive practices on the map, researchers can contribute to the transition towards a more animal-friendly sector while also considering the ecosystem. Strategic positions are also very important in the networks related to insect production. Through academic as well as stakeholder networks with industry organisations, researchers are advocating more use of insects as a source of animal feed as well as for human consumption. This not only provides opportunities to make an important contribution to food security but also to reducing the ecological footprint of food production.

Bringing together stakeholders

In the field of ecology, researchers also try to establish connections within the larger transition initiatives, like the EU Agro Ecology Partnership. A comprehensive programme is being set up which brings together researchers in transnational projects funded by the EC and national funding organisations. One of the goals is to achieve wider impact by integrating regional food systems. With respect to forests, there is the Climate Smart Forestry Network, in which knowledge and experience is exchanged. This network supports the EU Commission in the Monitoring Act and addresses relevant indicators for climate-smart forest management, which is essential for biodiversity conservation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The KB-34 Strategic Positioning project is also supporting the organisation of a food safety meeting this year to support the creation of a European network. Cooperation between producers, food authorities, policy makers and academics is crucial to ensure a safe and sustainable food supply. The Biogenic Carbon Life Cycle Initiative project group provides valuable input for policy makers. Their focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil products with biobased alternatives is an essential basis for sustainable policy formation and implementation. Finally, a project which takes a different perspective is the ESA Strategy Paper on Circular Economy & Sustainable Living in Space and on Earth (ESA-SPACE). In addition to creating European and national networks on space agriculture, this project also generates public visibility (for example at Dutch Design Week) of innovative ideas for growing food on Mars that can also be used for applications on Earth.

The KB34 Strategic Positioning project team has summarised information about the strategic networks, their involvement and the results and expected impact in a set of presentations:

• Project overview (Christine Bunthof, project coordinator)
• European Fisheries and Aquaculture Research Organisations (Luc van Hoof, WMR)
• Animal Task Force (Hans Spoolder, WLR)
• European Energy Research Alliance Bioenergy (Wolter Elbersen, WFBR)
• ESA and national space research networking on circularity and food production (Wieger Wamelink, WENR)
• Microbiome Association (Annelein Meisner, WPR)
• Partnership Agroecology (Abigail Muscat, CSA / Anne van Doorn, WENR / Jan Hassink, WPR)
• Transition Coalition Food (Anne-Charlotte Hoes, WECR)
• OECD Food Chain Analysis Network (Koen Boone, WECR)
• Networks on insect production (Teun Veldkamp, WLR)
• European Climate Smart Forestry Network (Gert-Jan Nabuurs, WENR)
• Food Safety meeting and network building (Stefan van Leeuwen, WFSR)
• UNEP LCI Biogenic Carbon working group (Iris Vural Gursel, WFBR)