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The research – part of the EC’s TrackFast project (Training Requirements and Careers for Knowledge-based Food Science and Technology in Europe) – asked food scientists and technologists (FST) to contribute their views on the most desirable skills in a series of 16 workshops in 16 different European countries, from March 2010 to August 2011.

Between them, they offered more than 3000 desirable skills, and ‘communicating’ came up most often, identified 13% of the time. Analysis of other skills mentioned revealed that many would fall under the umbrella of ‘product development’ – a skill that was considered desirable by 28% of participants.

However, skills varied considerably between the workshops.

“Geographical region, employment area and FST level of responsibility all significantly influenced the top 3 choices of overall skills and of food sector skills, indicating that most desired skills in the food industry are not uniform,” the paper’s authors wrote.

Source: FoodNavigator.com