Video interview with the  coordinator of the Slovenian Strategy for Smart Specialization S4 discolses the stretegic approach to innovate food sector

Although PEFMED consists mainly in pilot actions to support the mediterranean agrofood companies to improve their own environmental standards, the dialogue with policymakers have always been in the core of the project agenda. The support of Regions and National  Authorities is, on one hand, strategic to create the favorable conditions to set cooperation schemes between innovators and companies  and, on the other hand, to push the replication of successful case studies

This  video interview with the Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy,  the coordinator of the Slovenian Strategy for Smart Specialization S4, discloses the role of institutional players to encourage changes and adaptation to new innovation paradigm by industry

“Regarding the placement of food as a priority, this was our deliberate decision, regardless that we were working on the 2014 – 2015 strategy”. In short, the coordinator of the Slovenian Strategy for Smart Specialization S4 evaluated that food is strategically important for each country, and especially for Slovenia. It was estimated that the policy instrument such as the various development incentives and the food support package – both on the agricultural and food processing industries, are of key importance.

“The food processing industry has always been excluded from key support mechanisms when it comes to promoting competitiveness. After all this time, of course this is known to the sector. And of course, in the field of food, we know that it is clear that there is a need to do, not only a big step forward, but also a relatively quick step”. The environmental aspect in the field of food, agricultural production and processing is key and is something, what the ministry in charge is intensively following, not just as a goal, but it is also financing it. One of the four key additional values of Smart Specializations is global integration. All regions in Europe and in the world are dealing with this kind of questions.