Innovating university spaces and services: A case studies comparison

In recent decades, public and private food procurement initiatives have gained momentum as policy instruments aimed at improving the quality and afforda- bility of food provision across sectors while promoting social and environmental sustainability. These initiatives encompass alternative food networks, production, consumption and on-site cultivation. This article investigates how both public and private actors can experiment with and establish innovative, accessible procure- ment networks in small-scale urban areas. It draws on a selection of best practices identified within the PPP_URB project, part of the OnFoods project, funded under the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan. The research analyses case studies from a wide range of contexts, constructing a methodology that enables dialogue and collaboration among partners with diverse areas of expertise. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the study explores the broader effects of food procure- ment programmes on local phygital food systems, generating insights to support the design of innovative procurement solutions for university campuses in the next phases of the research.