Context:

The ENACT project is being implemented in a context where the agri-food sector is under significant pressures, such as the increasing global food demand, competition for resources, and the impacts of environmental changes. For example, agriculture uses about 70% of the world’s freshwater resources and occupies 42% of the land in the European Union, putting considerable pressure on ecosystems. Additionally, recent crises, like the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, have highlighted the importance of strengthening the resilience of food systems in Europe. This sector now needs to adapt to become more sustainable and resilient to shocks while addressing environmental challenges, public health issues, and social inequalities.

Objectives:

The ENACT project pursues several objectives to support the digital and sustainable transformation of the agri-food sector within the framework of the social economy. Firstly, it aims to improve the digital skills of social economy actors in the agri-food sector by providing them with better access to tools and digital solutions tailored to their needs.

ENACT seeks to promote cooperation among sector actors, both locally and transnationally. This collaboration is crucial for sharing resources, best practices, and creating an interconnected and innovative ecosystem.

Finally, the project intends to leverage existing networks of innovative ecosystems by encouraging their development and strengthening synergies among different actors in the agri-food value chain.

By establishing cross-sector collaborations, ENACT aims to contribute to creating a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agri-food sector by integrating digital innovations in a coherent and responsible manner.

Partners:

The ENACT project brings together various European partners from several countries, thereby enhancing its transnational dimension and fostering cooperation among social economy actors in the agri-food sector.

• POUR LA SOLIDARITÉ (PLS) (Belgium): An independent European think & do tank committed to a more solidarity-based and sustainable Europe. PLS contributes its expertise in research, coordination of European projects, and support for social economy initiatives.

• Barcelona Chamber of Commerce (CCB) (Spain): The CCB supports the social economy and serves as a center of expertise in corporate social responsibility and digitalization. The CCB helps promote digitization and innovation among actors in the agri-food sector while facilitating the adoption of sustainable practices.

• Barcelona Strategic Projects (B.LINK) (Spain): B.LINK is an organization specialized in European funding and project development, with expertise in the digitization and innovation of the agri-food sector. B.LINK provides technical and strategic support for accessing European funding and ensures the smooth running of the project through its expertise in fund management.

• MAKE IT BETTER (miB) (Portugal): miB is a non-profit organization focused on developing the social and sustainable economy. miB is responsible for raising awareness among agri-food sector actors about the importance of digitization, while offering training and support in adopting digital and sustainable practices.

• AgriFood DIH Lithuania (AFL) (Lithuania): AFL is a digital innovation cluster that brings together researchers, businesses, and public actors to promote innovations in the agri-food sector. AFL is responsible for fostering digital innovation in the agri-food sector and encouraging the adoption of technologies by social economy actors.

• Austria Wirtschaftsservice (AWS) (Austria): AWS is the promotional bank of the Austrian government, specialized in supporting businesses through loans, grants, and guarantees for innovative projects. AWS provides financial support to companies, promoting the development of projects related to sustainable food and the circular economy.