CHOICE at Synergy Days 2024: Catalyzing Digital Innovation for Sustainable Food Systems
On October 14-15, 2024, the CHOICE project was represented by its coordinator, Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS), participated in Synergy Days 2024 in Barcelona, a key event bringing together digital innovators and stakeholders from the European agri-food sector.
The event was organized as a hub for collaboration, to enable EU-funded projects, policy-makers, farmers, and other stakeholders discuss cutting-edge advancements in agri-tech and explore strategies for a more sustainable future.
CHOICE's Presentation: Advancing Climate-Conscious Food Systems
During Synergy Days, Dr. Tina Katika, XR Team Leader and Senior Researcher from ICCS, gave an insightful presentation highlighting how CHOICE leverages Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) like GLOBIOM and FELiX, alongside digital tools, to promote climate-conscious change within the Agricalture.
She emphasized the project’s multifaceted approach to tackling climate change mitigation, food security, and sustainability challenges. By integrating behavioral science, CHOICE offers an innovative framework for influencing consumer choices and policy decisions, aimed at reducing food waste, optimizing sustainable production practices, and encouraging responsible consumption.
Key Takeaways from Synergy Days
- Collaboration for Innovation: Synergy Days provided a critical platform for CHOICE to connect with other EU-funded projects, exploring how digital innovation can accelerate sustainable food practices.
- Leveraging IAMs for Impact: The event underscored the importance of models like GLOBIOM and FELiX in shaping the future of food system transformation, where CHOICE plays a vital role by simulating real-world scenarios and projecting the impact of food and climate policies.
- Digital Tools in Action: CHOICE showcased how digital solutions—including data storytelling, immersive tools, and large-scale campaigns—can drive community engagement and inspire tangible climate action.
Regarding this point, Tina also presented CHOICE’s work on an immersive tool for the assessment of food habits, developed by her team. This tool is part of the broader technological suite of CHOICE and it aims to help consumers better understand the environmental impact of their food choices. Through engaging user interfaces and data storytelling, the tool encourages individuals to take small, impactful steps towards more sustainable consumption habits.
Shaping the Future of Agri-Food Systems
As Tina’s presentation highlighted, CHOICE’s work goes beyond research. By employing behavioral science methods and cutting-edge technologies, CHOICE aims to shift consumer habits and integrate sustainable practices across the food supply chain. The project’s large-scale pilot campaigns are expected to make an impact in Austria, Colombia, Spain, Greece and South Africa, helping to meet the EU’s and the global ambitious climate targets.
Looking Ahead: Collaborative Action for a Sustainable Future
Synergy Days 2024 enabled CHOICE to engage with other key players in the agri-food sector, creating new opportunities for partnerships and collaborative projects. The event reinforced the need for cross-sector collaboration in shaping a more sustainable, resilient, and climate-friendly food system.
CHOICE will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible through digital transformation, ensuring that innovation leads the way toward a sustainable agri-food future.
Stay connected with CHOICE for more updates as we continue our journey toward a greener, climate-resilient food system.
