ETH Studio AgroFood
This project ran from 2016-2019 and strived to educate ETH students about the disruptive effects of digitalization in the agro-food sector and empower them to develop strategic solutions.
The Challenge
The recent advent of digitalization in the AgroFood sector creates disruption in each step of the food-value chain with all farmers, food companies, retailers, consumers, and stakeholders affected. The surge in available real-time data influences everything from daily decisions of farmers and consumers to corporate business models. All components of the food system are now challenged to quickly adapt to keep pace with the evolution of the technology, trying to evade the disruptive effects of Digital Darwinism. In doing so, the dynamics of the whole food-value chain change, and unforeseen consequences enter the economic landscape.
The Studio
We often look to the young generation studying at universities to provide innovative solutions for burgeoning challenges. Organizations see this generation of digital natives as drivers of progress with the ability to help one navigate the waves of change caused by digital disruption. Unfortunately, academia often does not formally prepare university students with the knowledge and skills needed to help organizations within the food system deal with the pressing issues of digitalization.
In this context, ETH Zurich, through the AgroFood Studio, endeavoured to support its students in the understanding of the complex, ever-changing issues arising from digitalization and the development of solutions. By bringing their knowledge gained into practical applications, these students will assist stakeholders of the Swiss AgroFood sector transitioning to the so-called Food System 4.0.
Read more on project activities and highlights
The Core Questions
These questions are pressing issues for the Swiss AgroFood sector and formed the core of the ETH Studio AgroFood during its 2.5-year pilot phase:
- What’s the current landscape of digitalization in the AgroFood sector in Switzerland?
- How should the teaching at ETH adapt to prepare digital natives for the challenges created by digital disruption of the AgroFood sector?
- How could research help tackle the needs of stakeholders in this area?