Articles
Analysing inspirational urban food initiatives to understand place-based and participatory system change
Article number
1455_41
Pages
345 – 351
Language
English
Abstract
Understanding and accelerating the transformation of urban food systems requires structured engagement with existing practices that demonstrate innovation, resilience, and inclusivity.
This contribution presents a methodological framework developed to identify, map, and connect 11 inspirational food system initiatives operating across diverse urban and peri-urban domains in diverse European contexts.
By analysing the selected inspirational case studies through a multi-criteria lens – including food system integration, spatial and architectural configurations, social inclusion strategies, and policy linkages – the proposed framework aims to identify transferable models of existing practices in the urban domain.
To this end, an interactive survey tool was developed to support the mapping process, gathering in-depth qualitative and quantitative data on operational goals, challenges, and values.
This structured mapping informs the development of thematic clusters and peer-learning mechanisms to foster mutual support and innovation transfer across the different mapped initiatives.
The resulting integrative approach emphasizes the relevance of collaborative evaluation and cross-case synthesis in urban food system research.
Accordingly, the research provides a replicable model for researchers and practitioners seeking to build evidence-based pathways for urban food transformation rooted in place-based knowledge, participatory learning, and interdisciplinary cooperation.
This contribution presents a methodological framework developed to identify, map, and connect 11 inspirational food system initiatives operating across diverse urban and peri-urban domains in diverse European contexts.
By analysing the selected inspirational case studies through a multi-criteria lens – including food system integration, spatial and architectural configurations, social inclusion strategies, and policy linkages – the proposed framework aims to identify transferable models of existing practices in the urban domain.
To this end, an interactive survey tool was developed to support the mapping process, gathering in-depth qualitative and quantitative data on operational goals, challenges, and values.
This structured mapping informs the development of thematic clusters and peer-learning mechanisms to foster mutual support and innovation transfer across the different mapped initiatives.
The resulting integrative approach emphasizes the relevance of collaborative evaluation and cross-case synthesis in urban food system research.
Accordingly, the research provides a replicable model for researchers and practitioners seeking to build evidence-based pathways for urban food transformation rooted in place-based knowledge, participatory learning, and interdisciplinary cooperation.
Authors
M. DOstuni, K. Kepes, H. Szemző, N.A. Vajdovich, A. Sermarini, E. Palmer, A. DAprile, F. Orsini
Keywords
urban food systems, codesign, citizen science, sustainable cities
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