Food waste valorisation: Assessing the effectiveness of collaborative research networks through the lenses of a COST action

Abstract

The need for innovative approaches to solving the problem of food waste is widely recognised, considering its tight links with food security, energy and climate change challenges, as well as the potential for food waste to produce valuable chemicals, materials and fuels. The relevance of this problem at the European (and global) level is well documented by the growing number of networks involving researchers, producers and institutional actors. Little research has been conducted on the impact of EU-funded networking activities on enhancing knowledge transfer and facilitating joint research activities on food waste valorisation among academia and industry. Drawing on social network tools, the present study examines the emerging network structure and collaborative links of a specific COST Action – FWV for Sustainable Chemicals, Materials and Fuels (EUBis) – which encompassed more than 140 actors (universities, large and small firms and public and private research institutions). Using questionnaire data obtained from a large sample of participants of the EUBis Action, the research explores the dynamic evolution of the relations between pre-EUBis and during-EUBis participation in knowledge and joint research and project networks. The empirical investigation provides evidence that the EUBis Action improved collaboration among institutions (universities and industrial organisations), fostering the flow of knowledge and facilitating joint research and projects. This interesting finding emphasises the relevance of knowledge flow as a crucial process for creating value through research and innovation.