The network
The foodRegio network was launched in the North German region of Lübeck by food processing companies, research and development facilities and educational institutions. The aim of the network is to provide a measurable added value for the food processing industry by initiating joint projects in the areas of product development, production innovation, joint logistics and human resources development. This involves working closely with scientific institutions such as Lübeck University of Applied Sciences and the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology.
Main activities
The foodRegio network was launched in the North German region of Lübeck by food processing companies, research and development institutions as well as education providers. Most of the enterprises within the Schleswig-Holstein food industry are family-run companies. Therefore, the initiative, unlike other networks, is following the bottom-up approach and is highly outcome orientated. Accordingly, the discussed topics comply with the specific requirements of the enterprises.
The overall aim of the network is to provide a measureable added value for the food processing industry by initiating joint projects in the areas of product development, production innovation, joint logistics and human resources development. This involves working closely with scientific institutions like Lübeck University of Applied Sciences or the Fraunhofer Research Unit for Marine Biotechnology.
The practical work on the different subjects is taking place in interdisciplinary cross – company working groups; supplementary best practices are presented regularly.
The technological focus
Only by picking up evolving trends such as more demanding consumers, changing functions of food, concentration processes in the retail sector and shorter product life cycles in time will the food industry be able to remain competitive.
For this reason, the main focus of the project working groups is on fostering product innovations and streamlining production processes. The projects "Energy Management" and "Residue Utilisation" are examples of successful production optimisation, carried out in cooperation between leading companies within foodRegio and Lübeck University of Applied Sciences. The results were noticeable cost reduction and improved economic competitiveness of the participating companies. However, there can be no technological progress without highly qualified personnel. To counteract the skill shortage, a new engineering study course has been set up at Lübeck University of Applied Sciences. The curriculum of the "Bachelor of Food Processing" course was adapted to meet industry requirements and defined to a significant degree by the companies themselves.
Highlights
The foodRegio network was launched in the Lübeck region mainly by owner-operated companies from within the Schleswig-Holstein food industry. Therefore the initiative, unlike other networks within the food processing industry, follows the bottom-up approach and is highly result-oriented. Accordingly, the topics discussed are closely attuned to the specific practical requirements of the enterprises. Because of its relatively small operative radius, there is a high geographical density of enterprises within the network, which facilitates practical collaboration amongst the 29 project partners. The homogenous composition of the network with regard to the structure of the enterprises is particularly advantageous; the emphasis is on such products as cereals, spices, confectionery and food additives.
The unique geographical position of foodRegio, close to the Baltic Sea and its littoral states, is an exceptional advantage. This proximity greatly favours cross-border cooperation between food industry networks and individual network members from different nations. An outstanding example of this is the baltfood project, in which specific know-how is transferred across the Baltic Sea and made available on a broader geographical basis.
