The article conducts a
comparative analysis of the regulatory frameworks governing novel foods in the
European Union (EU) and Singapore, employing design thinking as a theoretical
framework and methodological lens. The article delves into the authorization
procedures for novel foods in the two jurisdictions to investigate their
capacity to encourage innovation. In particular, the research focuses on the
instruments adopted to facilitate communication between the authorities (the
“designers”) and the applicants (the “users”) during the authorization
procedure (the “service”). Taking alternative proteins as a focal point, the
divergent approaches and regulatory outcomes in the EU and Singapore are
discussed. The ultimate objective is to formulate policy recommendations that
could enhance the EU framework’s perception among innovators and stakeholders,
and foster its ability to stimulate innovation within the novel food sector.