The first roadmap of its kind proposes ways to activate especially small and medium-sized food enterprises in RDI activities.
In Finland, there is an aim to boost economic growth by increasing research and development investments to four percent of GDP by 2030. The government requires that private businesses also invest accordingly in R&D.
The food industry participates in this growth initiative with a jointly developed RDI roadmap with food and beverage companies. This roadmap brings together the challenges identified by companies in RDI activities and proposals to overcome them.
The vision for 2030 is that the Finnish food industry, thanks to successful RDI investments, will lead Europe in intelligent, economically, and environmentally sustainable food production. Innovations resulting from intensified collaboration between companies, research institutions, and universities will boost food exports and generate new types of added value, making Finland a disproportionately large food provider.
To achieve the targeted four percent R&D investment in the Finnish food sector, the current investments of approximately 65 million euros must be doubled to 120 million euros.
According to Eurostat, Finland invests more in R&D in the food industry relative to turnover than any other EU country. This leading position is a commendable achievement, but maintaining it requires determined investment in RDI activities.
Small and medium-sized food companies lack the resources and expertise for RDI activities. More active interaction is needed between companies and research organizations. Additionally, skilled research professionals and RDI funding that meets the needs of companies are required.
Improving regulations can also encourage food companies to innovate, for example, by speeding up and simplifying the market entry of novel foods. Currently, the authorization process for novel foods in the EU is very cumbersome and can take years.
Further information
