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The Swiss National Network of Excellence for the Swiss Food Sector. a National Network of Excellence for Food Science & Technology. 1st meeting of the National Technology Platforms Rome – April 14 th , 2007. Jean-Claude Villettaz, Ph.D. Member of the Board www.swissfoodnet.ch.
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The Swiss National Network of Excellence for theSwiss Food Sector a National Network of Excellence for Food Science & Technology 1st meeting of the National Technology Platforms Rome – April 14th, 2007 Jean-Claude Villettaz, Ph.D. Member of the Board www.swissfoodnet.ch
Network’s main objective a National Network of Excellence for Food Science & Technology 1st meeting of the National Technology Platforms - Rome - April 14th, 2007 Strengthening the competitiveness of the Swiss Food industry through market driven R&D and innovation, by providing: • Know-How and expertise • Access to public R&D infrastructures (labs, pilot plants) • Help for searching for key competences (academic partners)
Promoting the visions of the ETP Food for Life a National Network of Excellence for Food Science & Technology 1st meeting of the National Technology Platforms - Rome - April 14th, 2007 • Organization of 2 workshops in 2006, inviting the Swiss Food industry to share the visions of the ETP Food for Life • Presentation of the ETP Food for Life, by Prof. Brian McKenna (November 3, 2006) • Presentation of “Food & Health” and “Food & Consumer” visions, by Prof. Robert J. Brummer (December 12, 2006)
Actions taken to stimulate innovation potential in food companies a National Network of Excellence for Food Science & Technology 1st meeting of the National Technology Platforms - Rome - April 14th, 2007 • Mailing to about 100 food companies drawing attention to the SRA and the ETP visions • Direct bilateral meetings with CEO from 20 selected food companies
Results & problems encountered a National Network of Excellence for Food Science & Technology 1st meeting of the National Technology Platforms - Rome - April 14th, 2007 • Very little reaction from food companies so far. Main reasons: • Innovation means investment (time, money) • Innovation requires a vision of the future • Innovation is rather for the big companies, not for SME • Low margin sector, very low investment in R&D • Innovation = me too • No tradition in pre-competitive R&D (just act for today) • “Go alone” culture • No - or almost no - IP protection • Too little “success stories” to tell, to be able to convince food companies to invest in R&D
Questions a National Network of Excellence for Food Science & Technology 1st meeting of the National Technology Platforms - Rome - April 14th, 2007