In co-creative workshops, we brought together experts in the fields of animal cell cultivation and precision fermentation, and (1) discussed past and current developments in the respective field, (2) explored options for the future of protein alternatives in Germany using the innovation radar method developed in the RI-ProT project, as well as (3) discussed challenges in the responsible development of innovations in the selected alternative protein field.

Dagmara Weckowska and Luise Lallinger introduced the RI-ProT project as well as the workshop objectives before leading vivid discussions on the status quo in the area. Building on valuable feedback of the participants, alternative future scenarios were created for cultivated meat and precision-fermented proteins in Germany. Each scenario specified a configurations of innovative and established technical solutions as well as organizational and institutional configurations under which these technologies could be used in the future. The scenarios were then assessed with regard to their potential benefits and risks related to environmental, social, economic, and health aspects. Sensitised to challenges ahead, participants discussed the barriers to and needs for responsible innovation in the field of alternative proteins.

With these workshops the RI-ProT team reached a major milestone in the project – the first application of the radar method that we developed. We are pleased that the method proved useful in supporting transdisciplinary dialogue about the futures of alternative proteins in Germany, including anticipation of possible environmental, health, social and economic benefits and risks.