Birmingham recognised as EU ‘Key Innovator’ for pioneering food policy work

Birmingham City Council has been recognised by the European Commission’s Innovation Radar as a ‘Key Innovator’ in the Food Trails project, which seeks to redefine how cities approach sustainable food systems. The Innovation Radar places Birmingham alongside Bergamo (Italy) and Copenhagen (Denmark) for its leadership in developing forward-thinking Food 2030 policies. 

The Innovation Radar platform identifies high-potential innovations developed through EU-funded research. Birmingham’s contribution — focusing on pilot actions to shape inclusive, resilient food policy — was highlighted as meeting the needs of existing markets, with room to grow as part of a broader EU ambition to transform food systems in line with sustainability goals. 

This recognition comes at a critical time. With the global population projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, the challenge of ensuring equitable access to healthy, affordable, and sustainable food has never been more pressing. Cities like Birmingham are on the front line of this transformation — where innovative action can make a tangible difference in people’s daily lives. 

Through Food Trails, Birmingham has piloted new approaches to community engagement, circular economy principles, and local food governance. These initiatives demonstrate how cities can co-create food strategies with citizens and stakeholders that are rooted in local needs, while contributing to global solutions. 

Thanks to this acknowledgement in the Radar — a platform showcasing over 13,000 EU-funded innovations — Birmingham is not only receiving recognition at a European level, but is also positioned to attract new partners, funding opportunities, and visibility across business and academic sectors.