Food engineering and food science and technology: Forward-looking journey to future new horizons. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saguy, I. Sam; Roos, Yrjö H.; Cohen, Eli
• Is Part Of: Innovative food science & emerging technologies. Volume 47(2018)
• Page Start: 326
• Page End: 334
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Open and disruptive innovation -- Principal component analysis -- Paradigm shifts -- New curricula -- Strategy, vision and missions; Food -- Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Food industry and trade -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Aliments -- Biotechnologie -- Périodiques; Food -- Biotechnology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 664.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ifset.2018.03.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-8564

Abstract

Abstract: The overall objectives of this study were to assess the status of Food Engineering (FE), Food Science and Technology (FS&T) and related fields using a global web-survey and included: identifying the major challenges and opportunities; and making specific recommendations for future possible paradigm shifts. Respondents from academia, private research institutes, industry, government, consulting and others sectors participated. The most important topics selected were: 'Innovation/open innovation, ' 'Broad education and multidisciplinary capabilities, ' 'Career development & prospects, ' and 'Applied research.' Lowest importance were 'Basic science' and 'Salary.' Highest possible impact on FE and FS&T future curricula were: 'Food safety, waste reduction/management' and 'Environmental impact, food sustainability and security.' Overwhelming majority (>68%) indicated that FE or FS&T should be integrated with other existing/evolving academic program. Principal component analysis yielded 3-new variables, offering insights on the relationships between geographical education location and sustainability, innovation and employability. The competitive landscape calls for reshaping of the domains vision. Industrial relevance: Basic research and salary were selected by the respondents to have a very low importance. Enhancing applied research, agility, attractiveness of the field and strengthen research relevance and collaboration with industry are required. Both government/state and food industry financial support is a clear indication of the significant role they play in the innovation ecosystem collaboration. Significant difference between North America & Canada and Europe on addressing innovation, soft skills and employability offer new insights on enhancing utilization of innovation, science, technology and impact. Innovation and open innovation offer FE and FS&T unique new horizons for spearheading change and opportunities to alleviate typical industrial and academic conservativeness and risk aversion. Highlights: Innovation close/open and broad education were selected as the highest important topics. Basic research and salary were selected as the lowest important topics. Respondents majority expect changes in FE and FS&T academic fields. Education geographical region affects innovation and employability relevance.