Wageningen MFC coordinates the design and implementation of Metropolitan Food Clusters or Agroparks. The project process is organized into four phases, each outlined below. To manage the trajectory effectively, we work in an iterative co-design approach, which involves continuous collaboration between us and the assigner. This approach allows for progressively detailed blueprints and implementations throughout the process. We engage with the customer and relevant stakeholders throughout the entire design, implementation, and operational phases.

Phase 1: Feasibility Study 

The Feasibility Study is an early-stage analysis that gathers essential information, familiarizes us with the customer and stakeholders, and assesses the potential of relevant regions and sites. This phase evaluates the business potential by analyzing demand, potential markets, and available resources. The outcome is a feasibility assessment. If the outcome is positive, we provide a detailed definition of the assigner's goals, a proposed roadmap, and a comprehensive project plan for the next phase.

Phase 2: Conceptual Master Planning 

The Conceptual Master Plan outlines the overall layout of the proposed Metropolitan Food Cluster or Agropark. It includes three main components:

• Hardware: Infrastructure, facilities, and installations.
• Software: Human resource development, knowledge management, and quality control.
• Orgware: Business plan and model, strategic and operational management structures, regulatory procedures, and stakeholder collaboration.

This phase also includes a zoning plan, business plan, site functionality analysis, stakeholder engagement, and detailed designs for hardware, orgware, and software. The goal is to secure stakeholder agreement on the plan's execution.

During this phase, an iterative process refines the plans based on the current situation, identifying innovative solutions to achieve the desired outcome. The design process is supported by ongoing, in-depth analysis of market demand, resource availability, site characteristics, logistics, government regulations, workforce, and knowledge networks. The co-design partners in this phase include the assigner, local stakeholders, and the technology and service providers who will implement the executive master plan.

Phase 3: Executive Master Planning 

The executive master plan comprises the detailed blueprints for specific elements of the conceptual master plan, including:

• Hardware: Blueprints for implementation of such as greenhouses, processing facilities, infrastructure.
• Orgware: Permit procedures, cooperation agreements (e.g., joint water and energy management).
• Software: Curricula and quality management plans.

These blueprints enable final decisions on implementation, leading to the commencement and full execution of the building process. Wageningen MFC facilitates the entire trajectory to ensure alignment with stakeholders and previous research and plans.

Phase 4: Assistance During Implementation and Operation

During the operational phase, Wageningen MFC and its technology partners continue to provide education, training, technical support, and ongoing innovations. This ensures that the Metropolitan Food Cluster or Agropark maintains high-quality food production and continues to improve efficiency over time.