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Through this article, Kaan Demiryürek, R&D Director – Global R&D – Sustainable Packaging, explores the evolving landscape of food science and engineering in the face of global challenges. He discusses the rising demand for skilled professionals, the transformative impact of AI, sustainability, and digitalization, and the essential skills future food scientists and engineers must develop to stay ahead. He concludes by emphasizing the need for purpose-driven innovators who view their work as a mission, shaping a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient global food system.
When system effectiveness hen I studied Food Engineering 25 years ago, it was considered a second-tier field. Few recognized the impact food science and technology could have on the world. But today, food scientists and engineers are at the heart of urgent global transformations. Food is essential. It is a human right. Yet, as I have reiterated over the years, our global food system is unsustainable in meeting the needs of today’s population, let alone 2050. This presents an incredible opportunity for food scientists, engineers, and technologists. Sustainability, AI, and food insecurity have elevated our field into one of the fastest-growing, high-impact careers, as highlighted in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025. If we, as food professionals, do not shape the future of our food system, no one else will. The WEF identifies five macro trends reshaping industries: technological change, geoeconomic fragmentation, economic uncertainty, demographic shifts, and the green transition. With food at the center of these shifts, the need for innovation has never been greater. This translates into enormous growth potential for those willing to equip themselves with the right skills and mindset. Takeaway #1: Rising Demand and Job Opportunities in Food Science and Technology The Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimates that 22% of all jobs will change by 2030, with 170 million new roles created and 92 million displaced—a net gain of 78 million jobs globally. Within this shift, food scientists and technologists are expected to see significant growth, driven by the demand for sustainable food systems, climate adaptation, and digital transformation in food production. Green Transition and Data-Driven Food Systems The WEF identifies climate change mitigation as a top transformative force. Food scientists and engineers will be crucial in developing sustainable food and bio-based packaging solutions. Alongside environmental and renewable energy engineers, they rank among the fastest-growing job categories. AI and big data also drive employment growth, with 86% of surveyed employers investing in AI-driven solutions. These technologies optimize processes, increase efficiency, and unlock new market opportunities in food production and supply chains. Why This Matters With a net increase of 78 million jobs expected globally by 2030, food scientists and engineers must act now to seize these opportunities. Expanding expertise, embracing digital tools, and collaborating across disciplines will be essential. Takeaway #2: Essential Skills for Future Food Scientists and Engineers In Food for Thought, I propose a mission statement for food professionals: “Continuously advance our food system, based on science and technology, to feed our world’s population nutritiously and efficiently while doing better for our planet.” The WEF Future of Jobs Report echoes this sentiment. Below are key skills that food scientists and engineers must develop to thrive in this evolving landscape. Skill #1: Analytical Thinking & Technological Literacy Insight: AI literacy and data analytics are no longer optional but essential. So What? Develop AI literacy and leverage data-driven tools to optimize food formulations, enhance quality control, and minimize supply chain losses. Currently, 30% of the food we produce is lost annually, while 30% of the world’s population is food insecure! Skill #2: Resilience, Flexibility, and Agility Insight: Economic and geopolitical disruptions demand adaptability. So What? Develop a problem-solving mindset in everything from product development to sustainability measures. Use scenario-based strategic approaches to anticipate change and pivot effectively. Skill #3: Creative Problem-Solving and Innovation Insight: Human creativity will become a key differentiator as robotics and AI automate routine tasks. So What? Challenge conventional food processes. Could precision fermentation revolutionize alternative protein production? Could innovative packaging extend shelf life while reducing waste? Innovation in food science must drive real-world impact. Skill #4: Leadership and Influence Insight: Half of surveyed employers rate leadership and influence as crucial for transformation. So What? Scientists often focus on the what and overlook the why, missing the power of storytelling. Without compelling narratives, our science remains too ‘dry’ to inspire action. We must communicate the why behind breakthrough technologies to drive meaningful change. “At every phase of the system build-out, pilot properties provided critical feedback and conducted testing. This feedback-driven approach reinforced the value of engaging a review committee and pilot group to strengthen W system effectiveness” “At every phase of the system build-out, pilot properties provided critical feedback and conducted testing. This feedback-driven approach reinforced the value of engaging a review committee and pilot group to strengthen W system effectiveness” Skill #5: Systems Thinking Insight: Climate change mitigation is a leading transformative trend. So What? Adopt an end-to-end (E2E) systems thinking approach. Recognize how food production, processing, distribution, and packaging decisions impact sustainability and advocate for holistic strategies that drive systemic change. Takeaway #3: The Need for Highly Skilled and Purpose-Driven Food Scientists and Engineers The Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights that future professionals will require broader expertise, adaptability, and a commitment to driving meaningful change. Simply having a degree or technical knowledge is no longer enough. The food system is transforming, and we need purpose-driven food scientists and engineers to lead this transformation. Beyond Technical Skills: Mission-Driven Scientists and Engineers The report emphasizes that reskilling and upskilling will be essential for staying relevant, focusing on sustainability, digitization, and cross-disciplinary knowledge. By 2030, 39% of core worker skills will change, and employers will invest in talent who can define and articulate a vision, drive collaboration, and lead transformation efforts. This is a defining moment for food professionals. We must elevate our roles from technical problem solvers to strategic transformers. Success will require enhancing our skill set and being guided by a mission to create a sustainable, efficient, and innovative food system. So What? • Learn beyond traditional food science—explore AI-powered supply chains, sustainable packaging, and food innovation. • Think in systems, not silos—integrate sustainability, technology, and advocacy into holistic solutions. • Define your purpose and advocate for it. As the proverb says: “Don’t curse the dark, light a candle.” Conclusion: An Invitation-to-Action The WEF Future of Jobs Report clarifies that massive shifts are underway. The demand for green and digital skills aligns perfectly with the evolving role of food scientists and engineers, and we are on the brink of significant job opportunities. I invite you to leverage this moment to drive meaningful change in our global food system. Food is essential, a human right, and poetically magical. As food professionals, we have the power and responsibility to ensure that it is sustainable, nourishing, and innovative for future generations. The future of food depends on top talent, purpose-driven scientists, and engineers who see their work as more than a job but a mission. Being a food scientist is insufficient—we must be innovators, trailblazers, and changemakers. And I know we will be!