SFS Innovation Platform Guidelines

 

1. NAME 

The name of the platform is: SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEM INNOVATION PLATFORM (SFS Innovation Platform).

 

2. PURPOSE of ACTIVITY

The SFS Innovation Platform aims to be an online environment with the purpose of ensuring the sustainability of knowledge from European projects in the field of innovative food systems by sharing their activities and results, even after the end of projects. This implies the maintenance and development of the existing website sustainablefoodplatform.eu.

The specific objectives of the SFS Innovation Platform shall be: 

  • bringing together related projects for knowledge mobilization and sharing

  • developing and updating all material and associated activities connected with the Managing and Contributing Projects of the SFS Innovation Platform

  • creating content according to the sections of the SFS Innovation Platform  

  • encouraging user input on the SFS Innovation materials

 

3. MEMBERSHIP

3.1 TYPES OF MEMBERS

The SFS Innovation Platform shall be composed of:

  • Non-registered Users - all independent persons, whether or not representing a  project, who have not completed the online SFS Innovation Platform registration form.

  • Registered Users – all independent persons, whether or not representing a project, who have completed the online SFS Innovation Platform registration form.

  • Contributing Projects – projects with a role in the activities of the SFS Innovation Platform through at least 1 appointed representative (who is a Registered User).

  • Managing Projects - projects with a role in the management of the SFS Innovation Platform through at least 1 appointed representative (who is a Registered User).

3.2 ROLE OF THE MEMBERS

  • Non-registered Users can make use of all knowledge on the SFS Innovation Platform.

  • Registered Users can make use of all knowledge on the SFS Innovation Platform, and can upload materials to the Platform Inventories, and can rate and comment on Inventory material uploaded by others. 

  • Contributing Projects  act as registered users and their representatives may participate in the Regular Meetings of the SFS Innovation Platform and have project visibility on the platform.

  • Managing Projects act as Contributing Projects and each project is entitled to one vote in any and all decisions regarding changes to the SFS Innovation Platform, to be elected as a chair and have the duty to promote the interests of the SFS Innovation Platform. 

3.3 MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

Any person can become a Registered User by completing the registration form. Acceptance is automatic.

A project may become a Managing or Contributing Project by contacting the SFS Innovation Platform through the contact form on the Platform homepage. Applications for membership as Managing Projects or Contributing Projects will be decided in the regular meetings of the SFS Innovation Platform by standard voting procedures. If a project is accepted as a Managing or Contributing Project, its representatives will be added (their name and email) to the SFS Innovation Contact List. At any time Managing and Contributing Projects can add or delete their representatives from the list voluntarily. Those on the Contact List are invited to Regular Meetings and stand as contact persons for the respective Project. Each Managing Project may have as many representatives as they desire, however each Managing Project has only one vote. 

There is no fee for membership.

3.4 TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall be terminated for Projects when the project is over or by removing the contact details of a representative from the contact list. Registered Users can be removed from the Platform in case of damage to the interests of the SFS Innovation Platform, as decided by the Management Group. If the Registered User is a representative of a Managing or Contributing Project, the Project Coordinator will be notified. 

 

4. PLATFORM MANAGEMENT

 4.1 CHAIR and VICE CHAIR

The Platform Management Group (all Managing Projects) will choose, by election, a Chair and Vice Chair for each 6-month period, from January through June and from July through December. The vote will be held at the Regular Meetings in June and December preceding the term and following standard voting procedure. 

4.2 REGULAR MEETINGS

Managing and Contributing projects will meet monthly, through their representatives, to propose, discuss, and vote on changes to the SFS Innovation Platform. Meetings will be organized and led by the Managing Projects in rotation and under the supervision of and cooperation with the Chair. The agenda and topics for discussion will be defined according to the contributions of both Managing and Contributing Partners. Minutes will be taken with appropriate software and shared with all Managing and Contributing Projects. 

4.3 ANNUAL MEETINGS

An annual meeting of the members will take place in the first quarter of each year, the specific date, time and location will be determined by the Chair. Here, all members can present their desires for the Platform.

4.4 VOTING

All issues to be voted on shall be decided by a simple majority of those Managing Projects present at the meeting in which the vote takes place. Each Managing Project is entitled to only one vote.

 

5. CHANGES TO THESE GUIDELINES

The Guidelines should be reviewed once per year by the Chair and Vice Chair and any suggested changes raised at the monthly meeting. The guidelines  may be amended in any manner at any Regular meeting following the standard voting procedure. 

last update: June 2024