The Food System Needs Innovation Now More Than Ever

Change - the only constant and exactly what our food system needs. Change may be forced upon us as it has during the past year or change can be made on purpose and with intention. No matter the time or reason, change isn’t easy or comfortable, but it is necessary. But what is effective change, change that will truly improve our food future? How do we achieve change for the better no matter the reason for the change?

First, we have to recognize the danger of the status quo and willingly embrace the need for change. Next, we have to be willing to challenge the boundaries that currently exist – boundaries that inhibit our ability to innovate. Third, we must use both these strengths to innovate a better food future for us all.

Most organizations are very aware that innovation is critical to their survival. With this, comes the challenge of creating a culture where innovation can succeed. So, how do you do that? Innovation begins with each individual. It begins with creating an environment that encourages leaders to foster and reward creativity and collaboration in their teams, to actively encourage novel approaches and thinking outside the box, and to lead with the vision that each and every employee has the potential to be a leader in their workspace.

To do this effectively, organizations need to promote training and learning opportunities that help leaders at every level think beyond their current role. Organizations often do this for future leaders expected to move vertically in an organization. However, think about how much more value and business growth could be achieved if every employee, every future leader, understood more about the interdependencies that exist around their area of the food system and could engage in proactive dialog across all areas at all levels – from production and processing to marketing and food safety. This takes the concept and benefits of cross-training with its broader perspective and ties it with cross-functional collaboration to become a vital part of the innovation process. Collaboration allows us to explore and uncover new perspectives and solutions for big problems thus driving effective change.

There is no question. If we are going to solve the most pressing issues facing the global food system, we must innovate. Without innovation, we cannot hope to achieve a sustainable, just and equitable, hunger-free food future. We can’t be all talk and no action. Innovating to literally feed our future is something we all must roll up our sleeves and do. Innovation is the core of how we drive effective change in the food system.

We need courageous, innovative leaders who are willing to think big and drive change. This is where the IFSL program comes in. The program was designed to teach future leaders new ways to collaborate holistically across the food system. The unique educational approach – offering both technical and contextual leadership skills – encourages innovation by providing a safe place to test new ideas.

The University of Minnesota Integrated Food Systems Leadership (IFSL) Program is designed for professionals interested in accelerating their careers. The IFSL program is a unique, online, graduate certificate program that fosters leadership, collaboration, and innovation across the food system. IFSL is a Post-Baccalaureate Regents Certificate program aimed at bridging the gap between traditional food system education and a professional leadership program.

Applications are being accepted through July 15, 2021 for the September cohort. Schedule a consultation call for more information.