Research on modifying factors of responsible product innovation for Healthy Food

April 24th, 2015

Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR) in cooperation with the Dutch Choices foundation has obtained financial support from the Dutch Research Organisation NWO to study the motivation of food producers and the role of modifying factors on the product innovation agenda. A first PhD student will study the perceived responsibility of companies to promote public health and the actions they take to act responsible in relation to food and health. The motivations for responsible innovation towards healthier food will be studied and the influence of healthy food promoting initiatives, like the Dutch Choices Initiative, NGO actions or governmental campaigns, will be investigated. A second PhD student will study the innovation process on product level and studies the influence of several stimuli, like stricter criteria for a health logo, on the innovation agenda. 

Dr. Vincent Blok of WUR will lead the project, which will study the factors stimulating or hampering responsible innovation by food producers. The most influencing factors on the innovation agenda will be analysed in order to develop guidelines how food producers can successfully innovate in a responsible manner to improve public health. Dr. Léon Jansen of the Dutch Choices Foundation will contribute to the research by delivering data, practical insights, analyses, and contacts with producers.