We participated in a workshop about the divided brain and creativity, inspired by the work of Colin Bennett. The session started with how the left and right hemispheres process information differently and how this affects our thinking and decision-making. Actually, linear thinking may limit innovation. Thus, we were encouraged more open-ended brainstorming. We first looked for new uses for bricks. Eventually we tested a new way of thinking in COVERE² project-related questions – successful.
Our workshop explored the effects of different measures on the planetary boundaries of the food system through an engaging "Game of Food Futures," inspired by the EAT–Lancet Commission study (Willett et al. 2019). As future planners, participants collaboratively explored how dietary choices, food production methods, and waste management strategies will shape the Earth's stability and resilience by 2050. Using a "Planetary Boundaries" chart, the environmental impacts of various scenarios were visualized by different colors, bringing to life the complex challenge of sustainably feeding a growing global population. The study highlighted a crucial point: staying within the planet's safe operating space demands a synergistic approach, requiring the development of novel technologies alongside a deeper understanding of our complex food systems
The Keynote session at the Nordic-Baltic food systems conference and policy forum (#NFN2025) highlighted critical issues and innovative solutions in the agri-food sector. A significant 27% of food is lost or wasted from field to fork, contributing 6% of global greenhouse gas emissions (with total food production accounting for 26%). The session emphasized policy responses to build a sustainable, resilient, and competitive sector, including fair food chains, decarbonization, and adopting regenerative agriculture practices. Additionally, it touched upon inefficient packaging, where some second packaging serves only marketing purposes and units often utilize multiple materials
This was an interesting experience for the participants to test the novel COVERE² platform and have the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions for improvements.
Combining Usability Testing with a Focus Group might seem unconventional, but it worked effectively for us. While traditionally distinct methods, one focused on individual interaction, the other on group discussion, we merged them to validate our product’s architecture, content, and usability. Leveraging the group format allowed us to gather rich insights while still observing how users interact with the product.
Feedback gathered from the participants will be reviewed by the product team and incorporated as new features in the months to come.
The workshop “To Infinity and Beyond”- imagining the next chapter generated a number of concrete action items to be pursued until and beyond the end of the project. An Ideation Workshop offers a creative space to reflect on the past and imagine bold possibilities for the future. In our session, we explored how the platform and project could evolve beyond the current phase, focusing on long-term engagement, collaboration, and impact. It was a valuable opportunity to think outside the box and shape a shared vision for what comes next.
We worked in small team to generate ideas about five pillars:
- Platform Development and Usage
- Building the Network
- Keeping the Collaboration Alive
- Visibility and Impact
- Commercialization
The output of the Ideation Workshop includes a comprehensive report summarizing all ideas generated during the session, along with a guidebook outlining concrete action items for partners to implement throughout the year. The next step will be a review of progress during the upcoming consortium meeting, ensuring continued alignment and momentum toward our shared goals.
The program also included formal meeting sessions where partners presented updates on their activities and progress. A key highlight was the achievement of a major milestone in Work Package 5 “Testing in Real Environments” marked by the successful completion of the Double Materiality Assessment at Viikki Research Farm. Additionally, administrative aspects of the project were discussed to ensure alignment on deliverables, KPIs, outputs, and grant management processes, including monitoring, reporting, and amendments. The agenda was rounded out with team-building and sightseeing activities, fostering stronger collaboration and engagement among partners.