Researchers at the University of Bologna have released a systematic literature review that scrutinises the cultivated meat value chain.

The article, titled 'A Systematic Literature Review of Cultured Meat Through the Conceptual Frameworks of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Global Value Chain,' and published in the journal Foods, offers a detailed analysis of the socio-economic and ethical dimensions surrounding cultivated meat and seafood.

Authored by Chiara Benussi and Antonella Samoggia, this comprehensive review aggregates findings from 43 studies, providing critical insights into the governance, structure, and dynamics of the cultivated meat industry.

Key themes identified

The review identifies several pivotal themes that shape the cultured meat industry:

Regulatory landscape: The study highlights the complexities of regulatory frameworks governing pre-market approval and product labelling. The authors noted the need for clear guidelines to facilitate the commercialisation of cultured meat products, which are currently classified as novel foods.

Technological advancements: The paper discusses the rapid technological progress in cultivated meat production, including innovations in bioprocessing and cell culture techniques. However, it also notes that significant advancements are needed to scale production and improve the sensory characteristics of these food products.

Funding dynamics: The availability of funding is crucial for the growth of the cultivated meat sector. The review reveals that private investments, particularly from venture capital, are the primary source of financial support for start-ups. The involvement of large agrifood companies also plays a significant role, reflecting a growing interest in integrating cultivated meat into existing food systems.

Stakeholder engagement: Various stakeholders, including biotechnology firms, investors, NGOs and conventional meat producers, are identified as key players in the cultivated meat value chain. The review underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in shaping the governance and operational dynamics of the sector.

Methodology and findings

The authors employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to conduct their literature review, focusing on studies published after 2013.

The analysis revealed that the majority of literature centres on four main domains of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (EE): support, policy, market and finance. Notably, the US and the EU emerged as central players in the cultivated meat landscape, with significant regulatory discussions occurring within these regions.

Market dynamics

The findings indicate that the cultivated meat market is still nascent, primarily due to the lack of large-scale production facilities and consumer reluctance. The literature suggests that while some experts foresee cultivated meat as a premium product, others anticipate its potential to significantly contribute to the protein transition in the food market.

The review highlights the critical role of financial backing in advancing cultivated meat technology. It notes a trend of increasing investment from both private entities and agribusiness giants, which is essential for scaling operations and enhancing research capabilities. However, the authors point out the limited involvement of public funding, which could impede the equitable development of the sector.

Governance and power dynamics

The interplay between the EE and global value chain (GVC) frameworks provides a nuanced understanding of governance within the cultivated meat sector.

The review identifies regulatory frameworks, technological advancements and consumer acceptance as key determinants of governance. Moreover, the concentration of power among established agrifood companies and venture capitalists raises concerns about the equitable distribution of resources and opportunities within the cultivated meat value chain.

Future research directions

The authors call for further exploration of several areas, including:

• The roles of suppliers and retailers in the cultivated meat value chain.

• The impact of big agrifood companies on the development and scaling of products.

• The influence of consumer perceptions and acceptance on market dynamics.