FutureFood-I Labs: Collaborative foresight workshops shape the future of gender equality and empowerment in agrifood innovation systems (AIS)

The systematic transformation of agrifood systems constitutes not merely an aspirational objective, but a fundamental economic and societal imperative. Crucially, this transformation can only be realized through the strategic application of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI). Furthermore, persistent gender inequalities represent not only a matter of inherent injustice but also a substantial impediment to sustained global progress and systemic resilience, underscoring the necessity of a gender-inclusive approach to STI adoption and development.

WHY: The critical gap

The underrepresentation of women’s needs and perspectives in agrifood innovation presents a critical gap, constituting an ecological and social imperative supported by clear data showing that closing the gender gap could boost global GDP by nearly USD1 trillion and reduce food insecurity for 45 million people, while enhancing agrobiodiversity stewardship and achieving more equitable leadership.

This initiative proposes a novel, participatory foresight study specifically focused on fostering the inclusion and empowerment of women across the entire Agrifood Innovation System (AIS) by 2050 and beyond.

HOW: The foresight employs a twofold focus:

• Gender-transformative technology and innovation: examining existing and emerging innovations, alongside the disruptive potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Future roles and power dynamics: scrutinizing the future roles of women across the AIS (e.g., researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, processors, and farmers) and the related (dis)enabling environment, with a strong commitment to intersectionality (e.g., young women, indigenous women, and female household heads).
  

WHAT:  Three collaborative online workshops

• Horizon scanning: Identifying critical drivers, triggers, trends, and wildcards.
• Innovation watch: Gender-transformative technology and innovation assessment, with special attention to AI.
• Scenario building: Developing inclusive and equitable future scenarios for women in agrifood innovation systems.
  

Participation in these collaborative FutureFood-I labs is highly selective, as spaces are limited. Interested individuals are required to register; participation will be subject to approval following review of applications.

Register here