Unravelling coupled innovation processes between public collective catering and agricultural sectors to support agroecological transition: lessons from an organic potato supply chain

To address the environmental and public health challenges faced by agrifood systems, multi-sector innovations are crucial. Coupled innovations, coordinating design across agricultural and food sectors, foster agroecological transitions but are rare due to complexity. This study examines coupled design processes within a French value chain that supply organic potatoes to children’s catering. Nine innovations were identified through semi-structured interviews with farmers, potato processors, logistics providers, and caterers. Key enablers were diverse exchange arenas, aligned targets, and long-term collaborative learning. These findings reveal mechanisms for coordinated innovation, providing actionable insights for stakeholders aiming to support sustainable agrifood transitions.