GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

This project should:

• Convene R&I funders to help shape a more impactful and ambitious European Food Systems Research Area.
• Maximise alignment, leverage focus, and impact by exploring and building on common R&I policy priorities with and between R&I public funders in Member States.
• Support the relevant SCAR Strategic and Collaborative Working Groups, to map potential co-funders on regional and national level and play a leading role as a convenor of stakeholders in framing the partnership.
• Support the development of a partnership approach and a strategic research and innovation agenda based on operational objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound (SMART).
• Foresee a mechanism to engage in a responsive and flexible way with EU and national farm to fork policy makers, relevant EU Agencies, industry, academia, civil society organisations, philanthropic organisations, education establishments, and finance sectors to leverage investments and support the deployment of good practices and responsible research and innovation-driven business opportunities, as well as outcomes for the public good.
• Liaise with international organisations and initiatives and private funders urban and regional food systems strategies.
• Foster programmes that should encourage the greater take up of digitalisation and social sciences and humanities, to improve social legitimacy and focus more on consumer and citizens needs and aspirations. 
• Assess existing and foster improved food systems education and training programmes across member states, in cooperation with Higher Education Institutes (HEI) and professional/vocational training centres to fill skills and knowledge gaps. Also, establish a branded network of European universities, where rectors develop and adhere to code of practice and action plan that motivates the organisation, staff and students.