Synergy Days is designed to celebrate and showcase European research projects that are transforming the European agri-food sector. Who are they, and how are they using digital technology to innovate the sector? We spoke to SS4AF to learn more about the project, its goals and journey.

 

 

What inspired the creation of your project? 

The Thematic Smart Specialisation Partnership ‘Smart Sensors 4 agri – food’ was launched in 2018 to contribute to the development and roll-out of Smart Specialisation Strategies (RIS3) in the involved regions in a way that the agri-food sector evolves into an interconnected, sustainable, resilient, and smart ecosystem built upon competitive food processing companies that embrace the principles of Industry 5.0 and environmental sustainability.   

Currently, SS4AF connects 20 partners (clusters, RTO’s, regional authorities, …) across 41 NUTS2 regions in 9 EU countries. SS4AF fosters collaboration between agri-food clusters, tech providers, and stakeholders to drive digital innovation in food processing SME’s, bringing together concrete challenges and digital solutions in one ecosystem. We connect competences, share knowledge and foster green and digital transformation in food processing SME’s towards an interconnected, sustainable, resilient and smart agri-food system in Europe.  

With SS4AF, we strongly focus on the food processing industry and in particular the SMEs´ perspective. Their needs and challenges form the basis for the strategy of the partnership. To facilitate and enable the implementation of digital technologies that can provide solutions to the concrete needs and challenges of the food processing industry, other stakeholders play a crucial role, in particular the technical companies (machine manufacturers, digital solution providers).  

Can you share some of the key milestones or successes your project has achieved to date?

Smart Sensors 4 Agri-Food (SS4AF) has exemplified the collaborative approach by linking agri-food clusters with clusters representing technology and digital solution providers, living labs, regional authorities, and policymakers. Currently, SS4AF connects 20 partners across 41 NUTS2 regions in 9 EU countries. So far, SS4AF has powered 5 EU projects of which 2 have been completed (Connsensys, COSME and S3FOOD, Innosup-1), 2 are still running (FoodScalEUp, EIE and HIGHFIVE, I3) and 1 (SIXFOLD, EIE) will start September 1st 2024. From each project, crucial elements are taken up by the partnership to be used in future projects but also to strengthen the individual members and providing them with additional tools and experiences to better support the companies in their region. 

What innovative technologies or methods are you most excited about within your project? 

Via the activities and projects of SS4AF, we strongly believe we can better support our agri-food companies in their green and digital transformation towards an interconnected, sustainable, resilient and smart agri-food system in Europe. If specific knowledge and expertise is not available in the companies’ region, they can be put in contact with companies/RTOs/living labs/etc. from another region within our SS4AF where this knowledge or expertise is readily available.   

Interregional collaboration in the SS4AF partnership, supported by a shared vision and clear strategy, facilitates the sharing of knowledge and expertise across the regions involved, allows for enhanced support of food processing SMEs building on this combined expertise and improved use of EU funding via the submission of different types of projects.  

What advice would you give to other innovators looking to make an impact in the agricultural / food sector through digital technologies? 

The integration of new technologies and scientific advancements that address the specific needs and challenges of the food processing industry necessitates collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The agri-food ecosystem is inherently complex, requiring the contributions from multiple experts to translate technological innovations into practical applications. Bringing together concrete challenges and digital solutions in one ecosystem supports concrete collaborations. 

What is the added value of Synergy Days for your project? 

In essence, we expect the Synergy Days in Barcelona to not only solidify the SS4AF network but also lay the groundwork for future collaborations that will yield long-term benefits for all stakeholders involved. We anticipate that the event will showcase cutting-edge technologies and best practices in digital and green transformation within the agri-food sector. Participants will have the chance to explore practical applications and discuss challenges with peers and experts, directly contributing to the acceleration of Industry 4.0 adoption across Europe and reinforcing the SS4AF’s mission. Moreover, Synergy Days are expected to facilitate the co-creation of future projects, enabling clusters to identify synergies and develop joint initiatives that will drive sustainable growth and innovation in the agri-food industry.  

Want to meet them and learn more about the project? Join SS4AF at Synergy Days 2024! More details and how to register.