Reflections from Formas panel discussion with centre formations

The first question was how the activities in the ongoing Centres have had a positive impact, and it was highlighted that the researchers, PhD students and companies involved in the Centres have increased their systemic understanding and knowledge of sustainability by being in a larger context, working across the social sciences and listening to each other. By also focusing on communication and outreach, the centres have shown the world that the agri-food sector takes sustainability and innovation issues seriously and is actively working on them. However, it takes time to establish projects of this scale and it is therefore difficult to demonstrate benefits in the short term.  

The challenges highlighted by the panel were that the start-up during the pandemic caused some delays in starting the cross-functional work, and that research takes more time while companies want quick results. It can also be a challenge to reach the right people in companies, as external research contacts are often on the desk of the research manager, but they have less time to engage and may also lack the detailed knowledge required to work on joint problem solving.

What has been easier than in traditional research projects is the ability to shape the details of research projects as they progress. This has led to greater stakeholder involvement, and partners used to sitting in reference groups with no real input have appreciated this and also gained a better understanding of the research process. The same applies to communication processes, where work has become more dynamic and seamless, and needs have been jointly identified throughout the project. This was perceived as both valuable and meaningful. Other benefits highlighted by the Centres are that they provide a more long-term and robust solution that is less dependent on individuals, where authorities, companies and other stakeholders can turn to the network within the Centre with questions rather than being dependent on answers from individual researchers. The centres have also managed to attract several smaller food companies that do not normally work closely with research, resulting in unexpected meetings and new contacts.

In summary, the Centres have not only delivered traditional research, but have also managed to build relationships and change cultures and attitudes in research, industry and business. Researchers have had to let go of their role as specialists in order to venture into a new field or issue where they are not experts. Interdisciplinary work has led to stakeholders daring to raise issues that were previously unthinkable to discuss with stakeholders. The work in the centres may not have been easier than traditional research projects, but it was more enjoyable because it broadened the perspectives of those involved.