TITAN is a European research project focused on improving transparency and traceability in the agri-food system through the use of digital technologies. It brings together a diverse group of partners from across Europe to explore how innovation can make food supply chains more open, reliable, and trustworthy.
The project began by analysing the needs and perspectives of different actors in the food system. This work showed that roles, incentives, and expectations around transparency vary widely depending on the context. Researchers identified several key barriers, including concerns about data confidentiality, the lack of shared standards, and the costs faced by small businesses. At the same time, they highlighted the importance of collaboration across the entire supply chain, as no single actor can achieve transparency alone. This work is being further developed through a deeper analysis of selected supply chains and stakeholder dynamics, which will lead to a set of strategic recommendations tailored to support small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting transparency practices.
Building on this understanding, the project developed a flexible framework to help match transparency needs with the most suitable digital tools and approaches. This framework takes into account how people, processes, technologies, and external factors interact in real-world settings. It was shaped through continuous dialogue with experts and stakeholders, ensuring that it reflects practical challenges as well as technical possibilities. Researchers also worked to ensure that different systems can communicate and function together smoothly, bridging the gap between social and technological perspectives.
In parallel, the project examined how policies and regulations can support greater transparency without placing unnecessary burdens on businesses. The work focused on how data-driven approaches can strengthen trust in the food system while remaining practical and accessible. The resulting recommendations aim to clarify what transparency means in practice, encourage better data sharing, and support a balanced approach that fosters both innovation and compliance. In the next phase, these policy recommendations will be tested and refined in real-world contexts, ensuring their relevance and usability for both policymakers and industry actors.
At the same time, new technologies were tested in real-world conditions, showing that these solutions can work effectively across different contexts. These activities helped improve how systems interact with each other and ensured that end users were actively involved in shaping the tools. As a result, several solutions are now close to being ready for wider adoption, demonstrating the project’s potential to make a tangible impact on the future of food transparency.
