LIST OF PANELS

In an era characterized by simultaneous and interconnected crises—ranging from climate change and economic instability to public health emergencies—food policies are undergoing significant transformations. The empirical basis of the "polycrisis concept encapsulates the multifaceted challenges that influence food systems globally, compelling policymakers to adapt and innovate. It highlights the need to consider the role of national and sub-national policymaking more closely and to not simply analyze events at the global or international relations level (Dinan, et.al., 2024). This panel aims to explore the challenging and intricate dynamics of food policies in transition, emphasizing how these policies respond on a multilevel basis, and perform and shape emerging crises.

The state of the art in food policy research highlights a growing recognition of the interdependencies between food security, environmental sustainability, digital transition, local development and social equity (Galli, et. Al, 2020). In the context of an emerging research program on sustainability transitions, the case of food policies is particularly interesting because it cuts across many other sectors. Due to its high exposure to various types of crises, it is receiving increasing attention from governments. Scholars have documented how crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine disrupted supply chains and revealed vulnerabilities within food systems, prompting calls for more resilient and adaptive policy frameworks. However, there remains a critical gap in understanding how different governance modes, political, economic, digital and social contexts affect these transitions in food policy.

Two questions are driving this panel. One will focus on how various crises (climate, wars, health, economic) influence food policy design and implementation and with what impact. We aim to explore the effectiveness of current food policies in addressing systemic inequalities exacerbated by crises (Busetti-Righettini, 2023). Second, we aim to investigate how innovations in food policy and governance, such as community-led initiatives, digitalization, multisectoral collaborations, and experimental and pilot policy programs, can provide pathways for sustainable food systems amidst these challenges.

The panel will shed light on the role of food policies in navigating polycrises, fostering resilience, and promoting equitable outcomes. We invite contributions that delve into theoretical frameworks, case studies, and empirical research illuminating these critical intersections.

We invite scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to submit paper proposals for our panel on "Polycrises and Transition in Food Policies." We seek original research that critically examines the evolving landscape (environmental, digital and social) of food policies in response to contemporary crises. Papers may address a variety of topics, including but not limited to:

The impact of crises (climate, wars, health, economic, etc.) on food policy frameworks and policy change.
Case studies of innovative food governance models in times of crisis (e.g. food public procurement, multi-actor collaborations, new institutions, etc.).
The role of technology and digital platforms in transforming food systems towards greater resilience and sustainability.
Comparative analyses of innovative food policies across different regions or political contexts.
Assessing the implications of food policies on social equity and community well-being.
We encourage submissions that employ diverse methodologies and theoretical approaches. Papers should contribute to a deeper understanding of how food policies can be effectively adapted to address the challenges posed by polycrises.

We look forward to your contributions to this critical dialogue at the International Conference on Public Policy in Chang Mai, July 2025.