The EU-funded project FOODPathS aims to set up a prototype of the European “Partnership for Sustainable Food Systems for people, planet and climate” – a new European governance model to co-fund future research and innovation activities at local, national and EU level. As European Food Systems are affected by complex challenges requiring a systemic approach, FOODPathS will create a powerful network with diverse public and private entities to facilitate the transition towards sustainable food systems. Via FOODPathS, researchers, NGOs, policymakers, citizens and entrepreneurs will be involved in creating a first version of the Partnership. This prototype Partnership will notably create a strategic roadmap outlining key research priorities to be co-funded in upcoming years. It will strongly support knowledge transfer via improved training networks, courses and outreach activities, and it will also seek to understand, demonstrate and monitor the sustainability performance of food systems.