Expert Network for Novel Foods Regulatory Challenges – UK's first collaboration cluster to support best practice and facilitate the regulatory approval journey of innovative food ingredients

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The potential for enhancing innovation in the UK economy through Novel Foods is significant, as acknowledged by the government in the Pro-innovation Regulation of Technologies Review -- Life Sciences. The process for Novel Foods approval in the UK demands specialised regulatory and scientific expertise, access to reliable certified analytical facilities and a clear understanding of the requirements. Building the required network is challenging especially for SMEs, who tend to have more limited resources, but also larger enterprises venturing into the Novel Foods application process for the first time. Consequently, the creation of a scientific dossier necessary to assess the safety of a Novel Food correctly may not only take significantly longer than need be but also be of limited quality. The repercussions of a deficient understanding of regulatory and scientific requirements extend beyond financial burdens, affecting the overall innovation ecosystem and potentially stunting economic growth.To fulfil the UK's goal of becoming a global leader in innovative research design and delivery, it is increasingly important to support food innovators on their regulatory journey for Novel Foods submissions. This proposal aims to develop a project for the creation of a regulatory science network to be UK's first Expert Network for Novel Foods Regulatory Challenges.The main objectives of the network will be to:* Serve as a central hub for learning resources, facilitating access to critical information, and promoting the development of regulatory science tools. Aim to improve access to these tools, empowering companies with a clearer understanding of the regulatory processes, data requirements, risk, and safety assessments necessary for their specific ingredient(s), ultimately enhancing the quality of dossiers.* Promote connections for food and ingredient innovators with experts and service providers in the field, including analytical and technology organisations, scale-up and manufacturing facilities, expert consultants, and research institutions.* Foster a positive exchange with regulatory authorities, offering insights into industry challenges, emerging technologies and conducting horizon scanning. Supplementing information accessible to regulators for informed and data-driven decision-making will enable agile and proportionate regulation in response to innovation.The network will be feeding into the government's aim of making the process more collaborative and transparent, and to provide smoother pathways for swift market entry of new technologies and products. It will engage food companies, service providers, academics, and regulators, to foster an open dialogue to advance regulatory science for Novel Foods collaboratively.