Food Systems Network

How we work

The The Food Systems Network was set up to help food systems professionals connect with innovators from across the food industry. By providing an open, collaborative platform and the tools to gather insight, develop skills and help identify co-innovation partners, we aim to foster new, sustainable food system innovations for the 21st century.

Networking

Food system innovators are always eager to share ideas, knowledge and skills. Let's make this easy, let's get started

Innovation Pathways

Partnering, Co-creation and Open innovation practices are thriving in the food sector. Start benefiting now

New Knowledge & Skills

Innovation thrives with knowledge sharing. Find a professional or group to help you advance your skills and knowledge

Our Story

Mark McGlinn founded the Food Systems Network in 2017 in a bid to improve the standard of innovation across the food industry. Following more than twenty years of senior management experience in the food service sector, where he specialised in open and co-innovation practices, he now seeks to brings these benefits to food systems professionals and innovators working across the industry. Co-innovation and open innovation pathways will transform the way we understand the food business and will help businesses, governments, industry groups and individuals alike begin address the food-related challenges of the twenty-first century.

Rebecca Hutchins

Director of Systems

Formerly, Technical Director of Systems Innovation at Pearle, Rebecca is responsible for leading our team of Software Engineers in developing advanced communication systems and introducing new disruptive technologies for knowledge sharing.

Mark McGlinn

CEO, Founding Director

Bringing the benefits of open innovation and co-creation to the foodservice sector has been a passion of Mark's for many years. A strong believer in the power of collaboration, he launched the The Food Systems Network to embolden innovation across the food sector.

Clayton Thorpe

Director of Operations

With a wealth of experience and knowledge in foodservice operations and management, Clayton directs our attention to the areas that matter. A passionate believer in co-innovation and partnering, he brings great enthusiasm to the industry.

What Our Members Are Saying

Food sustainability, food packaging, food safety, it's all here. A fascinating way to broaden your innovation capability and achieve more!

Tasha Grinnel, Professional Chef

Our current food system needs more than a rethink, we need significant change. Getting help from others is now so important and necessary.

James Kilpren, Food Retailer

Innovating the future of food, promoting food security and food sustainability, we are all thinking these through. The network offers a great way to test your ideas and learn.

Hannah Jacobi, East - West, Head of NPD

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Our Team