As part of Work Package 1 (WP1), FoodDataQuest, explores the private data sharing ecosystem to accelerate the transition towards sustainable food systems. Within the project, gain creators refer to services and products that help overcome challenges in private data sharing. Another key element is the identification of opportunities, which involves examining novel set of data from outside the food system—such as health data, GPS and sports activity data, or data from wearable devices—for private data sharing. These insights, documented in Deliverable 1.2, form a foundational step toward realizing the project’s broader objectives. 

In Work Package 1, FoodDataQuest aims to understand and unlock the potential of private data sharing within the food system. This includes mapping the current private data sharing landscape and identifying gain creators, needs, opportunities, and strategies to leverage these private data sources for a sustainable dietary change. In this context, private data refers to confidential and restricted-access data, as opposed to public data. Sharing and managing this type of data is critical for sustainability but is frequently constrained by practical and systemic barriers.  WP1 therefore serves as the basis and starting point for other work packages to develop more concrete and tangible frameworks, products, and services. 

In detail, Deliverable 1.2 provides a comprehensive analysis of the barriers and opportunities in private data sharing within the food system, identified through panel discussions and interviews with experts, and summarized in a Value Proposition Canvas. Three major target groups were identified: food chain actors, data scientists and AI specialists, and behavioral and communication experts. The findings are also supported by targeted literature review for further novels and untapped non-traditional data sources. These findings highlight that addressing key challenges—such as building trust and standardizing data practices—is essential for unlocking the potential of private data sharing. Engaging stakeholders early in the development process and creating secure, well-governed, and incentivized systems are critical steps. Furthermore, strengthening data literacy and ensuring equitable access to data-driven tools, especially for smaller actors, can support the transition to sustainable food systems through ethical, collaborative, and innovative approaches. 

The full, detailed results of this deliverable, along with other public deliverables, can be viewed and downloaded from the FoodDataQuest public deliverables page.