Connected Labs for Empowering Versatile Engagement in Radical Food system transformation

Project Information

CLEVERFOOD

Grant agreement ID: 101086320

DOI

10.3030/101086320

EC signature date 9 November 2022

Start date 1 January 2023

End date 31 December 2026

Funded under

• Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

Total cost

€ 7 999 981,25

EU contribution

€ 7 999 981,00

Coordinated by

KOBENHAVNS UNIVERSITET
Denmark

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - CLEVERFOOD (Connected Labs for Empowering Versatile Engagement in Radical Food system transformation)

Reporting period: 2024-07-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Our current agriculture and food system is not sustainable – it threatens our health, destroys our ecosystems and contributes to climate breakdown. If we do not act now, we will not be able to provide prosperity, wellbeing and food security for farmers, food producers and citizens in the future. CLEVERFOOD mobilises actors across societal sectors to drive a fair, healthy and sustainable transformation of the agriculture and food system. The objectives are to: (i) enable transformative multi level governance; (ii) remove lock ins and speed social/technological innovation; (iii) unlock impact oriented finance; and (iv) empower citizens, youth and educators. By RP2 we have built a pan European ecosystem of projects and living labs (FOOD 2030 Networks) connecting 130 projects (~€700m) and 109 city regions in 31 countries, creating strong pathways for policy learning and uptake (peer learning, national dialogues, EU/international roundtables). Early impacts include broad outreach via the Public Engagement and Science Education toolkits total ≈11,900 page views and trainings reached >1,900 participants; the travelling exhibition engaged >266,000 visitors across three countries, with additional tours planned. These results strengthen capacity to align policies, scale innovations and shift behaviors, ensuring that solutions are socially robust, equitable and ready for adoption.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

In WP1, we refined the Theory of Change, advanced the four impact pathways, and aligned cross-WP collaboration through six co-creation workshops. We scaled the FOOD 2030 Project Collaboration Network (130 projects, ~€700m) and the Connected Lab Network (109 city-regions), supported by technical facilitation, while ensuring ethics and GDPR compliance. We also led the FOOD 2030 Networks Conference 2025 and contributed to the Danish EU Presidency Conference.

In WP2, we applied the analytical framework for urban food policies, delivered a peer-learning programme combining online and in-person exchanges resulting in 15 action plans, and facilitated policy dialogues and roundtables feeding into governance models.

In WP3, we co-created the Food 2030 Unlock Strategy, advanced digital innovation linking Living Labs with data solutions, and developed a shared framework for measuring transition progress.

In WP4, we established structured investment-readiness pathways, mapped support ecosystems, and developed “recipes for change” connecting policy, science and finance, including blended finance approaches.

In WP5, we launched the Science Education Toolkit and exhibition Educational Pack, validated through trainings and collaborations, and translated teaching innovations into transferable modules.

In WP6, we delivered the Public Engagement Toolkit (33 tools), conducted trainings, and deployed the “CLEVERFOOD for Everyone” exhibition across three science centres with iterative improvements.

In WP7, we operationalised methodologies for audience targeting, content co-creation and validation, supported by structured workflows and monitoring protocols.

In WP8, we advanced the FOOD 2030 Online Platform by improving structure, accessibility and integration of outputs, aligned with cross-WP evidence needs.

In WP9, we ensured ethics and data protection compliance through independent oversight, updated reporting, and tailored procedures for activities involving children and vulnerable groups.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

By M36, WP1 has successfully developed the FOOD 2030 Networks into a pan-European collaboration infrastructure beyond targets, reaching 130 projects (~€700m) and 109 city-regions across 31 countries. It also played a leading role in the Danish EU Presidency Conference, piloted AI-assisted matchmaking, and convened ecosystem-building workshops. Key needs include long-term hosting, sustained facilitation, and interoperable data standards.

WP2 has advanced multi-level governance through an updated urban policy tool, 15 study visits and peer-learning activities resulting in 15 funded action plans, and policy dialogues feeding into EU-level briefs and strategies. Future needs include continued experimentation, replication support, and alignment with EU partnerships.

WP3 co-created the Food 2030 Unlock Strategy, established the Digital Innovation of Food interface, and advanced a shared transition-measurement framework with key EU partners. Needs include validation across Living Labs and integration with EU observatories.

WP4 strengthened pathways for impact finance by engaging 60 investors and developing “recipes for change” linking policy, science, and finance. Key needs include blended finance pilots, investment-readiness support, and clearer ESG metrics.

WP5 launched the Science Education Toolkit (>6,100 views), reaching over 1,965 learners through trainings and courses, and advancing transferable teaching formats. Needs include broader curriculum uptake and continued educator development.

WP6 delivered the Public Engagement Toolkit (33 tools; >5,700 views), conducted trainings, and deployed the “CLEVERFOOD for Everyone” exhibition to over 266,000 visitors. Needs include improved monitoring tools, local adaptation, and long-term competence structures.

WP7 operationalised an Influencer Hub, engaging 13 creators and translating project outputs into audience-tested content. Needs include sustained recruitment diversity and stronger links to Living Lab activities.

WP8 consolidated the FOOD 2030 platform and ecosystem, including a major redesign and a structured KER portfolio for exploitation. Needs include governance and funding for long-term maintenance.

WP9 ensured ethics and GDPR compliance through independent oversight and updated reporting. Continued support is needed for consent procedures, particularly for vulnerable groups.