About

Wasabi 2.0 is a network, supported by Wallonie, Wallonie Entreprendre and l'Agence du Numérique, aimed at guiding and strengthening innovation and research to meet the challenges of the edible horticultural sector (fruit & vegetables) and the breeding of small-scale, short-circuit edible animals. This network is part of a collaborative approach that combines scientific expertise with the needs of the private sector, with a focus on sustainable development and circularity. In this context, Wasabi 2.0 contributes to the development of an innovative, resilient horticultural agri-food industry in both rural and urban areas, by supporting the entire value chain: from input suppliers to production, processing, packaging and distribution. Wasabi 2.0 gives priority to supporting the development of human-scale businesses wishing to become part of a short supply chain, paying particular attention to their economic viability.

Objectives

The Wasabi 2.0 project has a number of strategic objectives, including:

1. Supporting regional innovation: by strengthening collaborations between academic and public partners, as well as local companies, Wasabi 2.0 contributes to Wallonia's competitiveness in terms of innovation;
2. Developing sustainable solutions: the project places particular emphasis on the emergence of sustainable innovations, whether in the energy, input or processing sectors, or in the circularity of the various players in the horticultural and animal sectors;
3. Knowledge and technology transfer: facilitating the transfer of research results to practical applications, by stimulating the adoption of new technologies within companies. This objective is crucial, and is reflected in the development of the Valorisation Network (RéVAL), which aims to connect the two sides of the same coin:

• those involved in research (universities, institutes of higher education, accredited research centers) are made aware of the importance of anticipating potential commercialization from the idea and concept phase of their research;
• the organizations that drive Wallonia's economic fabric are made aware of the opportunities that research and innovation represent for the development and future of their activities.

Strategic priorities

1. Develop and energize the horticultural agri-food sector by adopting an innovative approach that integrates primary production and processing, while identifying the most suitable territories for the establishment of these activities;
2. Promote organic and agro-ecological horticultural practices, as well as high-quality, sustainable processed products adapted to human-scale agri-food businesses;
3. Reduce the energy and environmental impact of horticultural agri-food production and develop a bio-based circular economy;
4. Integrate the horticultural agri-food chain into a local distribution system, based on best practices in short-circuit supply chain management.

Working methods

The IIS favors a bottom-up approach and a methodology that emphasizes co-construction and collaboration:

1. Bottom up: thematic working groups are set up on the basis of partners' common needs and interests. The IIS guarantees that the subjects studied and the research & innovation projects set up are at the service of local edible horticulture and respond to issues that concern a critical mass. It provides a framework for exchanges and project development, and lets partners define their own actions;
2. Co-construction: working groups evolve, new partners arrive along the way, sub-groups are created, agendas and action plans are drawn up together, and so on. Wasabi 2.0 coordinates the network and ensures its good governance, with the aim of gradually empowering its partners. In particular, the methodology is based on iterative cycles of open innovation, where the sharing of ideas, resources and experience between stakeholders is encouraged to maximize technological and socio-economic spin-offs.

In conclusion, Wasabi 2.0 aims to create a more dynamic and integrated innovation ecosystem in Wallonia, capable of responding to major societal, economic and environmental challenges.