Twenty-one years ago, Foodvalley was born. For me, that was the starting point of a sixteen-year adventure. As the first director, I was able, together with my team, to build an ecosystem that grew from a regional collaboration into an internationally recognized platform for food innovation. Looking back, I see that the lessons I learned there apply not only to Foodvalley, but equally to ecosystems elsewhere in the world—from Lebanon to New Zealand, from Uganda to Switzerland—to which I was able to contribute.
The Power of Commitment
Collaboration often sounds self-evident, but true collaboration only arises when there is commitment. Not without obligation, but with the commitment and responsibility of everyone involved. At Foodvalley, for example, this occurred through membership: companies contributed, but were also challenged to actively participate. This structure creates energy, ownership, and a clear message: together we can achieve more, but only if everyone is willing to invest.
Growing is Learning to Let Go
Building an ecosystem is not a straight line upwards. Successes and setbacks alternate. It’s precisely during difficult times that you learn to make choices: what still truly contributes, and what no longer? Sometimes that meant stopping activities that were once successful but had since lost their purpose. Maintaining focus and staying flexible proves to be the key to sustainable growth.
Looking beyond borders
One of the most beautiful insights: collaboration doesn’t stop at regional borders. Food, health, and sustainability are global themes. Foodvalley, for example, therefore developed into a hub where Dutch knowledge and entrepreneurship were connected with international partners. This outward-looking perspective created new opportunities and added meaning to the work that began locally.
The spark that creates movement
Whether it concerns companies, knowledge institutions, or governments: people only truly start moving when they are touched. That spark—the feeling that something special can be created together—is the common thread running through all successful ecosystems. Inspiration, energy, and courage make the difference between a network that keeps talking and an ecosystem that truly makes an impact.
Seven Building Blocks
After many years and projects, both domestically and internationally, I keep returning to the same seven lessons:
- Create commitment
- Stay curious
- Be accessible
- Avoid bureaucracy
- Dare to act autonomously
- Communicate concretely
- Learn from (inter)national partners
These aren’t empty slogans, but building blocks that prove their value in every context.
Ready to take the next step?
Behind these lessons lies a wealth of practical experience, do’s and don’ts, and concrete tools. Curious how you can apply these in your organization or sector? Feel free to contact us or join our one-day training course “Ecosystem-Oriented Working.” Because the future of innovation demands collaboration – and sharing the spark that ignites change.
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