Trans-local food coalitions

In today`s globalised world, the complex systems of global trade that connect producers and consumers across borders are facing significant challenges. These challenges include uneven distribution of benefits from globalisation, concentration of economic and political power and susceptibility to external shocks such as economic downturns or health crises like Covid-19. These pressures have exposed weaknesses in current global trade systems, prompting a re-evaluation of how they operate. Amidst these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the importance of international trade and the emergence of new technologies that connect people globally. Some actorswhether individuals, communities, organisations or businessesare exploring new ways to conduct international trade. These new approaches focus on environmental sustainability, social welfare, transparency and democratic decision-making in economic activities. However, it is still uncertain whether these alternative models truly contribute to a more democratic and sustainable global economy or if they simply promote new forms of `green growth.` This knowledge gap drives the current research project, which aims to offer both theoretical insights and practical guidance on transformative governance in the context of global trade. The research specifically examines alternative global food value chains, which we call Trans-Local Food Coalitions (TLFCs). TLFCs represent innovative approaches to globalisation that integrate democratic and sustainability principles into their operations. By studying TLFCs, the project seeks to identify the opportunities and limitations in fostering democratic processes and promoting sustainability in global trade. To this end, the research project employs various empirical social research methods such as mapping, surveys and qualitative case studies. These methods are applied in a comparative manner focusing on TLFCs that either originate from or culminate in the German- Swiss-Austrian region. Through a comparative analysis of selected TLFCs, the research will produce detailed case study reports and practical recommendations. By focusing on TLFCs and their trans-local dynamics, this research aims to contribute to advance knowledge in sustainability transformation by exploring how trans-local trade networks can promote a democratic vision of long-term sustainability despite geographical distances and varying local contexts. In summary, this research project intents not only to deepen theoretical understandings of transformative governance but also to offer practical insights that can inform policy and practice in global trade networks. By studying TLFCs in the German-Swiss-Austrian region, the project seeks to path the way for more democratic and sustainable global trade practices in the face of contemporary challenges. The Austrian part of the cooperation between the University of Basel, TU Berlin, and BOKU University is funded by the FWF (10.55776/I6865).