In the Food4CE project, 5 regional and 1 Transnational Innovation Hub will be developed. The aim of innovation hubs is to bring together actors from various sectors to advance AFNs in Central Europe. Innovation hubs will enable knowledge transfer between researchers, business experts, food producers, logistics operators and policy makers, thus creating a unique mutual transnational support network for Central European AFNs. With the support of OpenENLoCC innovation hubs will remain active also after the projects ends. Parts of the regional innovation hubs will be integrated into the services of organizations supporting companies (regional development agencies, chambers of crafts, research institutions or regional food hubs, etc.).
Regional innovation hubs will contribute to the overall goal of promoting knowledge transfer, co-creation of innovations, and fostering improved AFNs within Central Europe.
IH Slovenia
The ORbITaLA Innovation Hub is a dynamic platform designed to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing alternative food networks (AFNs) in Slovenia—digitalization, advanced logistics, and transport. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and practical problem-solving, the hub provides stakeholders with the tools and expertise needed to overcome their daily challenges of delivering goods to their customers.
Through real-world examples of best practices, tailored solutions, and personalized support, the ORbITaLA brings together experts from the logistics sector and research to collaborate with alternative food networks (AFNs), working to overcome these challenges effectively. Practical workshops, co-creation sessions, and advisory services are at the heart of this approach, ensuring that solutions are not only innovative but also actionable and relevant.
The ORbITaLA Innovation Hub aspires to become Slovenia’s leading training and advisory centre for AFNs, supporting their growth at every stage of development and paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient future in food supply chains.
Advisory board: Regional Development Agency for Podravje – Maribor; Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transport Engineering and Architecture; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food; Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Chamber of Agriculture and Forestry of Slovenia (KGZS) – Institute of Agriculture and Forestry Maribor; Cooperative Dobrina; Post of Slovenia.
ORbITaLA contact infromation
| IH leader: | RRA Podravje Maribor |
| Address: | Pobreška cesta 20, 2000 Maribor (Slovenia) |
| Type: | Virtual & physical |
| Operating hours: | Online: every day. Live: Wednesday, 8:00 – 13:00 |
| Contact data: | mag. Danijela Kocuvan, danijela.kocuvan@rra-podravje.si |
IH Austria
The Austrian Innovation Hub serves as a dynamic platform for connecting diverse stakeholders, enabling them to collaboratively address challenges and enhance their operations through interactive problem-solving. These processes are integrated into the Knowledge Transfer Platform (KTP), ensuring alignment with broader innovation and development goals.
Key stakeholders involved include higher education and research institutions such as Forum Ernährung Heute, BOKU, and the Austrian UAS sector, as well as innovative SMEs and business support organizations like WKW. Additionally, the hub engages public authorities at all levels, including local entities like Stadtwerke, regional counterparts, and national authorities such as the Federal Ministry of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation, and Technology.
By fostering collaboration across these sectors, the Austrian Innovation Hub aims to drive sustainable innovation, strengthen stakeholder networks, and contribute to the development of impactful solutions for the region.
Launch date: tbc
Leader:
UAS BFI Vienna
Wohlmutstraße 22,
1020 Wien
Type: Virtual
Operating hours:
Online: Monday – Thursday, 10:00 – 16:00
Contact data: David Strauß, David.Strauss@fh-vie.ac.at
IH Italy
The Localog Innovation Hub is committed to fostering collaboration among Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) and other stakeholders to advance a sustainable and resilient regional food system. Its primary goals include providing continuous support to AFNs as they grow and evolve, while also facilitating the development of collaborative initiatives and innovative projects that contribute to long-term systemic change.
In its initial phase, the Innovation Hub will focus on identifying the specific needs of AFNs, creating an environment of trust and collaboration, and offering training and tailored support. It will work to identify and promote best practices and innovative solutions, particularly in logistics and business models, while engaging stakeholders through a participatory process to develop a comprehensive regional action plan.
Looking ahead, the Innovation Hub envisions playing a key role in shaping a shared vision for a sustainable and resilient food system. It will continue to provide dedicated support for the progress of AFNs, helping them overcome challenges and seize opportunities. The IH will also prioritize the design and implementation of collaborative initiatives and projects that further strengthen the regional food ecosystem, ensuring long-term impact and sustainability.
Advisory board: Institute for Transport and Logistics – Bologna; Municipality of Bologna; DG Agriculture / DG Mobility – Emilia Romagna Region; Food Hub Srl; CAAB Bologna; Art-ER; Clust-ER Agrifood.
Launch date: 19/11/2024
Leader:
Institute for Transport and Logistics Foundation
Viale Aldo Moro 38,
Bologna
Type: Virtual & physical
Operating hours:
Online: Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 17:00
Contact data: Lorenzo Cello, lorenzo.cello@fondazioneitl.org
IH Hungary
The FOOD4Health Innovation Hub Budapest is committed to enhancing the competitiveness of producers and processors by expanding their market opportunities and fostering greater integration, digitalization, and education. Its mission is to optimize the management of agricultural products along the food value chain through advanced digital tools and data-driven decision-making.
The hub will providee a comprehensive range of services, including data management, automation, and communication solutions. By leveraging these technologies, its aim is to empower stakeholders to make informed, data-based decisions, driving efficiency and innovation across the Agri-Food sector.
Advisory board: Institute of Food Science and Technology; CIBUS Hungaricus; Ministry of Agriculture; Institute of Agricultural Economics; Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture; SmileyMed Ltd.; Hungarian Association of Logistics, Purchasing and Inventory Management
Launch date: December 2024
Leader:
Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Science
Villányi út 29-43
H-1118 Budapest
Type: Virtual & physical
Operating hours:
Online: every day
Live: Friday, 8:00 – 13:00
Contact data: Géza Hitka, PhD, Hitka.geza@uni-mate.hu
IH Poland
The PULS Innovation Hub is dedicated to driving innovation and sustainability within the Agri-Food sector by addressing key challenges and opportunities. Its objectives include developing comprehensive business plans, conducting profitability analyses, optimizing production intensity—whether increasing, decreasing, or transitioning to greener practices—and evaluating the sustainability of farms. Additionally, the hub focuses on assessing and reducing logistics costs to enhance the efficiency of short food supply chains.
A core focus of the innovation hub is identifying the strengths and weaknesses of farms operating within short food supply chains. By analyzing these dynamics, the hub aims to improve overall efficiency, strengthen the role of short supply chains in the agri-food sector, and enhance their competitiveness. A key priority is fostering greater integration and collaboration among stakeholders involved in short supply chains, creating a more cohesive and resilient ecosystem.
Launch date: 27/11/2024
Leader:
Poznan University of Life Sciences
Type: Virtual
Operating hours:
Online: Monday (12:00-14:00) and Wednesday (10:00-12:00)
Contact data: Alina Nowotarska, alina.nowotarska@up.poznan.pl
The aim of Transnational Innovation Hub is to facilitate knowledge exchange and support among participating countries. Serving as a collaborative platform, it will enable sharing of experiences, best practices, and needs across national borders, enhancing collective knowledge. Additionally, the hub will foster a unique mutual support network, encouraging cooperation among regional hubs from different countries in order to address common challenges, share insights, and improve the overall functionality of AFNs in Central Europe. By promoting integration and collaboration, the hub brings together stakeholders from various nations, fostering a broader perspective and the adoption of innovative solutions on a transnational scale.
TIH Food4CE
Launch date: tbc
Leader:
OpenENLoCC