The agri-food sector is undergoing many transformations, at an accelerated pace. The traditional models that once dominated the industry are being challenged by unprecedented crises, which require agility and creativity. To remain competitive, companies must adopt new ways of thinking, including through Open Innovation. This approach, which emphasizes collaboration with external partners such as start-ups, is creating new opportunities.
At SprintProject, we help companies adapt to changes in their sector by making information on global innovation accessible and understandable for their managers. As such, we support Monts & Terroirs in their Open Innovation strategy with start-ups. It is in this context that we interviewed Marianne Warnery, CEO of Monts & Terroirs, to gather her perspective on Open Innovation in the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) dairy industry.
Agility, the key to innovation in the agri-food sector
Beyond product innovation
The agri-food sector is constantly torn between tradition and modernity. The AOP sectors, where the preservation of heritage is essential, must comply with very strict specifications. However, Marianne Warnery emphasizes that if product innovation is limited by these frameworks, there are many opportunities for innovation beyond the product itself. These opportunities can strengthen competitiveness and ensure long-term sustainability.
Adapting to the crisis through collaboration
Since 2020, the agri-food sector has faced significant disruptions, from supply chain issues to shifts in consumer demand. Warnery says these crises have accelerated the need for agri-food companies to adapt. However, she firmly believes that the players in the sector cannot make these necessary changes alone . Collaboration, especially with young companies, is crucial.
" To adapt to these new configurations, we cannot act alone. We must join forces with a collective or other structures to work together and, in particular, rely on start-ups " says Ms. Warnery.
To do this, Monts & Terroirs is banking on the diversity of profiles. An internal initiative notably invites bring together people from diverse backgrounds within the company itself, by integrating into projects employees not only from the management committee, but also from operational levelsThe challenge is to increase the success rate of projects by playing on the diversity of profiles and visions, both strategic and operational, within the project team.
Open Innovation, a solution with strong potential
Open Innovation opens up the field of possibilities
Open Innovation (or Open Innovation in English) is by definition a tool allowing companies and their teams to open up to the outside world. Such approaches struggle to develop in the face of the urgency of daily operational tasks and a culture that is self-centered in problem solving. This is the challenge that Monts et Terroirs has been able to meet.
" Working on Open Innovation changes the way operational teams think " she explains. " This change not only improves efficiency, but also makes the company more attractive by focusing on value-added jobs. "
However, Marianne Warnery also notes that adapting to these new technologies and approaches requires specific skills and resources that may be lacking, particularly in small structures such as SMEs. This highlights the importance of external collaboration to fill these gaps.
Collaboration with start-ups: a risky investment?
Working with start-ups has many benefits, from specialist skills to time savings. However, it also presents challenges, particularly when it comes to maximising return on investment (ROI). Marianne Warnery acknowledges that the benefits of working with young companies are not always immediate or easy to quantify, which can be a significant barrier.
" In collaboration with start-ups, as in many subjects relating to innovation, the return on investment is not always commensurate with the resources committed and this represents a major obstacle. " she notes.
To meet this challenge, it is essential to convince shareholders of the long-term benefits of these collaborations. To do this, it is important to understand how start-ups complement the company's existing research and development efforts and how they can contribute to improving the company's competitiveness.
The future of Open Innovation at Monts & Terroirs
During the interview Marianne Warnery expresses her satisfaction with the use of Open Innovation within the company and her wish to continue investing in this subject in the future. Today, Monts & Terroirs' innovation strategy is partly based on collaboration to accelerate the company's development, they are therefore planning to multiply projects and experiments in the future.
" In the long term, we want to be more open to collaborating with other companies in the sector that are facing similar problems. ", explains Marianne Warnery. This openness to collaboration beyond the internal framework will be essential to meet the complex challenges of the future.
The agri-food sector is at a crossroads, where traditional methods must adapt to the realities of a rapidly changing world. Open Innovation, particularly through collaboration with start-ups, offers a path to sustainable growth and competitiveness. With her feedback, Marianne Warnery shares her thoughts on the relevance of opening the doors of companies and trying collaborative work. She emphasizes the importance of adopting this approach, not only as a survival strategy, but also as a way to prosper in the long term.
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