Co-Create the Future of Agri-Food
The agri-food industry is undergoing rapid transformation—driven by technological innovation, shifting consumer demands, and global sustainability challenges. Join agri-food professionals from across the sector to network, collaborate and co-create solution paths for the future of food.
Take advantage of trends of shaping the agri-food industry
Join industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers for an interactive World Café to co-create the future of agri-food. On May 13th, 2025, at HAN’s Arnhem campus (Ruitenberglaan 31), funded and in collaboration with GO4EXPORT, we’re bringing together key stakeholders to engage in structured discussions on emerging industry trends.
Insights from the survey and macro-trend analysis will set the foundation for this event, ensuring that discussions are informed by real-world data and industry priorities.
Why should you attend?
Explore Key Trends in Agri-Food
Engage in discussions around the most pressing trends shaping the future of food, including sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, functional foods, personalized nutrition, digital transformation and smart farming, alternative protein sources, urban and vertical farming, and enhanced food traceability and safety.
Foster International Collaboration
Connect with industry leaders and contribute to positioning the Dutch agri-food sector as a global innovation hub. The World Café offers a unique opportunity to spark cross-border partnerships and alliances.
Drive Innovation Together
Co-create actionable ideas that move the industry forward. Insights and strategies developed during the World Café will be compiled and shared by the Center of International Business Research to support continued innovation.
What is a World Café?
To encourage diverse perspectives and foster international cooperation, the World Café provides a dynamic setting where business professionals, policymakers, researchers, and other key stakeholders engage in open, structured dialogue. Participants rotate between themed discussion tables, exploring interconnected topics in the agri-food sector. The format is designed to spark fresh insights, build meaningful connections, and contribute to the global conversation on the future of food.
About the project
PROJECT: Shape the Future of Agri-Food
This multi-stage project brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to identify key trends, foster collaboration, and develop strategies—keeping the Netherlands at the forefront of global food innovation.
SCAN: Macro-Trend & Global Competitive Analysis
We begin by identifying key trends shaping the food sector—using data on industry shifts, emerging technologies, and global dynamics. This provides the foundation for informed discussions in the next stages.
SURVEY: Mapping the Key Industry Trends
This stage collects input from businesses, researchers, and policymakers on regional priorities and emerging trends—ensuring that industry voices guide the agenda and help identify what matters most.
WORLD CAFÉ: Co-Creating the Future
Stakeholders from across the food sector join structured discussions to refine key trends and create actionable roadmaps—building real-world solutions that can be used by businesses and policymakers alike.
KNOWLEDGE SHARING: Turning Insights into Action
Insights from earlier stages are translated into solution paths through workshops, reports, and briefs—equipping stakeholders with tools to act and reinforcing the Netherlands’ global leadership in agri-food.
Event program
The World Café will take place on Tuesday, May 13th, at HAN University of Applied Sciences (Ruitenberglaan 31, Arnhem) from 12:00 to 18:00. The event is organized by the Center of International Business Research at HAN and funded by GO4EXPORT.
- 12:00
Lunch and Welcome
Enjoy lunch as we open the event with a warm welcome from HAN’s International School of Business and its Center of International Business Research.
- 13:00
Food for Thought
Dive into an in-depth, insight-rich presentation on the latest trends transforming the agri-food industry. This session will highlight the key forces shaping the future of food and provide the foundation for the collaborative discussions that follow.
- 14:00
World Café Discussions
Join four dynamic rounds of table discussions with fellow agri-food professionals and key stakeholders from across the sector. Moderated by researchers from the Center of International Business Research, these conversations will explore the trends shaping the industry and spark collaborative ideas for action and innovation.
- 16:00
Insights & Reflections
Following the discussions, key insights will be shared and reflected upon in a group dialogue focused on translating ideas into action.
- 17:00
Networking Drinks & Bites
Close the day with informal networking over drinks and light refreshments.
Take the Survey
Stay ahead of the curve. Our survey offers early access to the big trends that are shaping the future of agri-food. Gain insights to provide insights during the World Café, where these trends will be explored in depth. What’s driving change? What are the most pressing priorities for businesses and policymakers? Where should you focus for long-term success? Your perspective helps create a clearer picture of what’s next—so you can stay informed, adapt, and lead.
Center of International Business Research
As the research center of HAN’s International School of Business, we explore how businesses can adapt, innovate, and lead in an evolving global landscape. From overcoming barriers to sustainable behavioral change to analyzing emerging industry trends and shaping strategic roadmaps for sustainable business transitions, our research tackles the real-world challenges organizations face.
Co-create the future of Agri-Food
Lead the Dutch agri-food industry into the top ones in the world. Be part of change! Join our world-cafe to start and lead the change with researchers and industry partners. Spots are limited, register before April 24.
