Sustainable Food Services Research Unit
Our goal is to strengthen the regional food system and service business, and internationalise them.
A solution-oriented and interactive development approach, as well as multidisciplinary cooperation, describes our development work.
We are researching and developing the food industry of the future!
Towards sustainable food industry
Experts from the Responsible Food Services Research Unit carry out local, national and international research and development projects related to the production and service processes of food services, the role of food services in supporting the good and nutritious eating of people, and the development of the regional food system, food tourism and industrial fisheries.
Towards sustainable food services
The aim of the Sustainable Food Services research group is to promote the ecological, economic and social responsibility of food services. The aim is to achieve this by increasing competence, developing the planning and implementation of production and service processes. Development goals and solutions are defined in cooperation with working life.
Key themes
- Plant-based meals in food services
- Reduced food waste and energy consumption
- Good and healthy eating for the elderly
Towards a strong and international regional food system
Sustainable food production and consumption requires action and cooperation from all parties in the food system. We participate in this by systematizing cooperation, strengthening internationalisation and producing regional food development programmes and strategies. The development of industrial fishing in inland waters is important to us.
We are a leader of the South-Savo food cluster and a member in several regional, national and international networks.
Key themes
- Systematization of collaborative networks, cluster work
- Development of food tourism
- Development of the industrial fisheries sector
Food tourism attraction
Food tourism combines local food, culture and experiences. We support local food producers and tourism companies to develop services, products and experiences that provide added value.
Key themes:
- Productisation of local food products and services
- Value creation
- Competence development for entrepreneurs
- Strengthening food culture
Promoting a sustainable and profitable fishing industry
Our goal is to renew the value chain of industrial fisheries, increase its profitability and produce high added value across sectors. We develop food security, improve overall sustainability and utilize innovative technologies and international RDI solutions.
We combine research, education and business to create innovative ecosystems that support a responsible and sustainable commercial fishing economy in the future.
Key themes:
- Ecosystems and responsible processes
- Digitalisation, data and technology
Learning and research environments
Xamk RestoLab
Xamk RestoLab strives to be one step ahead of the real world and provide a playing field where new innovative solutions can be tested in a safe environment. RestoLab provides an opportunity to study, measure, evaluate and develop the functionality of food services and food companies’ production processes and products in virtual and physical spaces.
A 3D model of a productive teaching computer, a virtual twin, makes it possible to present the space in digital form and enrich it with data collected from the real world. Xamk RestoLab enables teaching and learning using virtual, gamified and VR technologies.
A research environment is being built in the lobby space of the first floor of Saimaa Stadium, which can be used to study the effectiveness of digital display communications and to monitor the movement of people in the space.
Cooperation and networks
We work in close cooperation with Xamk’s Bachelor, and Master of Hospitality Management degree programmes and other fields of study. Through research and development activities, students are able to solve the challenges of working life and network with local entrepreneurs and potential employers.
Research and development projects involve a wide range of regional, national and international partners. We are e.g. involved in the following networks:
National Fisheries Network [In Finnish]
European Cluster Collaboration Platform
Taste Saimaa – European Region of Gastronomy Saimaa 2024 [in Finnish]
National Food Tourism Network
National Fisheries Network [In Finnish]
Read more about our work
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