Purpose: The main purpose of this thesis to explore the possible application of blockchain technology in solving issues and concerns of members and stakeholders in multi-stakeholder cooperatives, which prevent effective collaboration in governance.Design: This study is performed using an extensive literature study on blockchain technology, relevant business cases solving issues and concerns comparable to these in multi-stakeholder cooperatives and six semi-structured interviews with blockchain experts, using the business case of multi-stakeholder cooperative Gebiedscoöperatie Westerkwartier.Findings: Findings reveal blockchain-based solutions can contribute to solving existing issues and concerns in multi-stakeholder cooperatives, by implementing its main characteristics: creating transparency, immutability and distributed consensus. This results in increased trust, increased efficiency and accuracy in decision-making, decreased administrative costs due to self-executable smart contracts and enables product traceability in supply chains. However, information is retained in supply chains, preventing blockchain from reaching its full potential. In addition, smart contracts are not legally binding in all countries yet and blockchain, as most technologies, is subject to human or technical error.Value: Overall, this study contributes to understanding issues and concerns existing in multistakeholder cooperatives and the potential application and benefit of blockchain technology to solve existing issues preventing effective collaboration. Expert and participation: Jan Veuger
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We explore the role of restaurants and food events in promoting local and regional gastronomy in the Minho region in Northern Portugal. Interviews with restaurant owners and event organizers in this mainly rural region reveal that innovation is driven mainly by changing consumer tastes, but also con-strained by consumer expectations of low prices. Restaurants maintain a family-run structure, also due to a lack of human resources. The main thrust of innovation lies in creating a convivial atmosphere, but there is less emphasis on locally produced food ingredients. In the long run this may undermine the regional food culture and its authenticity, despite the perceived importance of tradition.
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How do we increase biodiversity in the Netherlands? By working together! What can food forests and restaurants mean for each other? This report focuses on the question: “What is the potential of collaborations between food forests and restaurants in the Netherlands?”Interviews revealed that successful partnerships are based on direct supplier relationships, internal motivation and niche products that create a unique selling point.
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