In Denmark, companies and the government are working together on a similar project in the food processing industry to create a multidisciplinary institute focusing on food technology and understanding of users’ future food behaviour. The aim is to transfer relevant knowledge from local related knowledge institutions to the leading Danish food processing industry.

Understanding user needs and habits for food is important for commercial success in the Danish food processing industry. The Danish Government has had a blueprint prepared on how to construct a new user-oriented innovation and knowledge centre in the area of food processing. Such a centre would fill in the gap which currently exists with research and innovation in the area. Core activities are planned to include interdisciplinary innovation projects composed of researchers, staff from the centre and employees from food processing companies. The plan is also to facilitate research stays for students and PhDs which are in the process of finishing their theses. Over time, the centre’s income should consist of payments from enterprises participating in projects.

Currently, the project is in the phase of getting funds and finding a proper location. The costs of establishing the centre are estimated to approximately 800.000 EUR in the first two years. Ideally, the centre should be economically-sustainable and privately-financed after five years.

Source: Blueprint (2009); ReD Associates.