NICHE - Building innovative food value chains in regions

The NICHE project will address challenges arising from changes in the food sector and will explore the potential of using information technology to increase innovation in seven European regions where food is important for jobs and economic growth. NICHE aims to develop innovation among companies among the partnering countries.  

The food sector as a whole is faced with major challenges that arise from changes in the sector´s economic and noneconomic environments. The availability of safe, sustainable and healthy food has taken a new and pressing dimension in the light of an ever-growing global population and increasing environmental and sustainability concerns.

Technology has already substantially reshaped the business models, value chains and efficiencies in this sector, but a new wave of driven innovation is needed to give response to this new demand.

Aware of the role that innovation may have in giving response to this demanding sector, the NICHE project wish to realise its potential by effectively promoting policies in 7 European regions where food has been identified as a key sector to apply existing research and innovation strengths.

Project Aims

By working together the NICHE partnership aims, by 2019 and through the improvement of existing policies, achieve an average 15 % increase in the adoption of research and innovation solutions by food sector companies in their regions to give response to the demand of this sector identified as high-potential sector for their smart growth.

Project Partners

• Regional Development Agency of West Region Romania (RO),
• Donegal County Council, Ireland (IE), 
• Derry and Strabane District Council, Northern Ireland (UK), 
• Regional Council of South Ostrobothnia, Finland (FI), 
• Tartu Science Park, Estonia (EE), 
• Region of Crete, Greece (GR).
• Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship, Poland (PL)

For more information on the NICHE project visit: www.interregeurope.eu/niche or email Patrick Devine patrick.devine@leo.donegalcoco.ie 

Press Release

NICHE Launch Conference in Donegal