Abstract
This study offers an overview and understanding of food innovation in cities and the role that EU
projects for research and innovation can play in supporting sustainable food systems.
While food has traditionally been considered beyond the competence of cities, several local
authorities in Europe are now recognising the active role that they can play in supporting food
strategies that are inclusive, resilient, safe and diverse.
Cities act as brokers, bringing together civil society, business, and research organisations in a
creative space, where innovative solutions can be designed and implemented for a more
sustainable food system. This holistic approach aims to scale-out and scale-up new methods.
Accordingly, the main type of policy instruments used by cities are citizen’s involvement and social
innovation, new forms of governance across levels of government, public procurement, and
collaboration with research.
In order to support cities and to deliver the greatest impact, European projects need to be aligned
with the local political priorities. Project research questions and project implementation should be
done in cooperation with local authorities and other relevant actors. Projects have stronger impact
where cities have the possibility to learn and exchange with each other on successful good
practices.