Bologna, November 19, 2024 – ITL (Institute for Transport and Logistics Foundation) in Bologna launches the Localog Innovation Hub, an innovative platform for rural logistics aimed at fostering collaboration among Alternative Food Networks, thus contributing to the development of a more sustainable and resilient regional food system.
Alternative Food Networks to large-scale organized distribution (GDO) help connect local producers with consumers, providing direct and more sustainable access to fresh food and products, bypassing traditional retail chains and reducing intermediaries. This promotes more genuine and eco-friendly connections between local producers and consumers.
Localog was established with the goal of supporting Alternative Food Networks and the short supply chain in enhancing their logistical and digital capacities. The platform serves as an innovative tool to assist small producers and local distributors, facilitating connections between the research community, local and regional policymakers, the logistics sector, and Alternative Food Networks.
The activities of the Localog Innovation Hub will be divided into three main phases:
- Needs analysis of Alternative Food Networks, to understand the logistical and digital challenges they face;
- Workshops on solutions and technological innovations, aimed at exploring new opportunities to make the short supply chain more efficient and sustainable;
- Development of regional, national, and European policy recommendations, to improve the regulatory and strategic framework supporting the short supply chain.
Localog is part of the European project Food4CE, coordinated by the University of Maribor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering, and Architecture. The project aims to promote the development of circular and sustainable food supply chains in Central European territories. As part of the project, five regional innovation hubs will be established in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, and Poland to share best practices in digitalization and logistics for local food networks in these countries.
ITL, which manages the platform, has been operating for years in the field of applied research and consultancy, promoting innovation and sustainable development in the logistics and transport sectors. Through national and international projects, ITL aims to strengthen the logistical, economic, and environmental capacities of the entities involved in the sector.
To access Localog’s services, available Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, please contact the project manager, Lorenzo Cello, at lorenzo.cello@fondazioneitl.org. Participation is open to all stakeholders in the agricultural short supply chain, including producers, distributors, logistics operators, policymakers, active citizens, and anyone interested in contributing to the development of a more sustainable and localized food system.
On the occasion of the Innovation Hub’s launch, two key tools developed within the Food4CE project were also presented for the first time: the Knowledge Transfer Platform (KTP) and the Matchmaking Platform (MP). These platforms will play an important role in sharing knowledge and helping local food networks improve logistics and create stronger connections within Alternative Food Networks. The goal is to strengthen local food supply, increase short supply chain efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability.
Contacts:
Fondazione Istituto sui Trasporti e la Logistica
Website: www.fondazioneitl.it
Phone: +39 051 1234567
Lorenzo Cello – lorenzo.cello@fondazioneitl.org
Andrei Turlea – andrei.turlea@fondazioneitl.org
Food4CE Project Website: https://www.interreg-central.eu/projects/food4ce/
Knowledge Transfer Platform Webpage: https://www.openenlocc.net/food4ce/