Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

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Prof. Iván Tartaruga

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Organization: Centre of Studies in Geography and Spatial Planning (CEGOT), Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Porto
Country: Portugal
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Researcher and professor in Economic and Social Geography. I am working on innovation and territorial development in agri-food systems.

https://sites.google.com/view/ivantartaruga-en

This member contributed to:

    • Prof. Iván Tartaruga

      Centre of Studies in Geography and Spatial Planning (CEGOT), Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Porto
      Portugal

         The draft report 'Guidance on Strengthening National Science-Policy Interfaces (SPI) for Agri-Food Systems' presents a comprehensive approach to enhancing national SPI frameworks within the agri-food sector. The report establishes a clear operational framework, detailing core elements such as aims, roles, principles, and various models supporting effective implementation. It also addresses challenges in providing policy-relevant evidence for agri-food systems, emphasizing the need for transparent, inclusive, and effective decision-making processes.

         Additionally, as a contribution to the discussion here, two key aspects significantly enrich the debate: one focuses on the systems approach to science and innovation, while the other highlights the intersection of social and economic inclusivity with innovation.

      Systems Approach to Science and Innovation: The innovation systems framework brings together diverse actors (individuals, firms, institutions, etc.) across various scales to foster synergy and innovation. This framework incorporates national and regional perspectives, such as the well-established Regional Innovation Systems, which guide sustainable development even in smaller countries.

      Inclusive Innovation: It is essential to merge inclusivity with innovation to promote technological, non-technological, and social advancements for marginalized groups, including those with low income or education. In some instances, these innovations emerge from the very individuals in these communities. Particularly in rural areas, traditional knowledge from family farmers, indigenous people, and artisanal fishers can drive significant innovative potential.

      Furthermore, it is necessary to incorporate more overall governance approaches for SPI, such as Experimental Governance. This approach values citizens' knowledge and insights in addressing daily challenges and fostering community involvement in developing efficient, context-specific innovations. The integration of scientific knowledge with traditional, practical expertise is fundamental for successful implementation.

       

      Some interesting references:

      Morgan, K. (2018). Experimental governance and territorial development. Paris, France: OECD. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/cfe/regional-policy/Morgan(2018)ExperimentalGovernanceAndTerritorialDevelopment_OECD_FINAL.pdf

      Tartaruga, I. G. (2021). Tradition, Inclusive Innovation, and Development in Rural Territories: Exploring the Case of Amiais Village (Portugal). In Oliveira, L., Amaro, A., & Melro, A. (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Cultural Heritage and Its Impact on Territory Innovation and Development (pp. 62-74). Hershey, PA: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-6701-2.ch004

      Tartaruga, I. G. P., & Sperotto, F. Q. (2022). Políticas de inovação inclusiva, digitalização e desenvolvimento territorial em sistemas agroalimentares: os desafios para a agricultura familiar à luz da sustentabilidade. In: M. E. Valencia, S. Sauer, A. Z. Leite, F. C. Canavesi, & M. L. Ávila (Orgs.), Desenvolvimento territorial, sistemas agroalimentares e agricultura familiar (pp. 122–146). São Leopoldo, Brasil: Oikos. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3N0EHdK [in Portuguese]

      Tartaruga, I., & Sperotto, F. (2024, January). Digitalization, sustainability, and inclusion in European agri-food systems. Paper presented in 7th Geography of Innovation Conference (GEOINNO 2024) (pp. 1-4), Manchester, UK. Abstract retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.17401.44645

      Tartaruga, I., Sperotto, F., & Carvalho, L. (2024). Addressing inclusion, innovation, and sustainability challenges through the lens of economic geography: Introducing the hierarchical regional innovation system. Geography and Sustainability, 5(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geosus.2023.10.002