The implementing entity (Hub) of OnFoods is composed of 11 state universities, 1 non-state university, 3 national research bodies, 3 private bodies engaged in research activities, and 6 private companies, including main national actors belonging to the agri-food sector. 

The Hub is a non-profit legal entity with the participation of public and private entities (established in the form of a Foundation) where each partner participates to the Hub governance, contributes to the definition of its strategic directions, coordinate the research, development, and technology transfer activities of the Spokes, and can have direct access to public funding. 

Even though the Hub is configured as a newly formed legal entity, it will rely on the management and administrative expertise of all its members, which have a strong experience in the management of complex projects and large partnerships, both at national and international level. 

The Hub’s organisational structure has been designed to guarantee maximum effectiveness of the project work and to facilitate the cooperation among partners, while maintaining a constant control on the achievements of the project objectives.

The Board of Directors (BoD) is the governing body of the Hub. It has the task of approving the strategic and operative guidelines, ensuring the achievement of project objectives, and appointing the Scientific Committee. It is elected by the shareholders and is made up of 5 representatives, one elected by UNIPR (the chair), two elected by the other universities and public research bodies, and two by the remaining partners of the Hub, by simple majority voting.

The Scientific Committee, whose apex member is its Coordinator, is composed of a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 11 members elected by the General Assembly. It addresses and monitors the scientific activity plan and the overall performance indicators, shares best practices among spokes, and promotes cross- contamination through inter-spoke or multi-spoke initiatives.

The Research Manager (RM) deals with the overall scientific and technological management of the project and its coordination. It is appointed by UNIPR and acts as a link between the consortium and the MUR. The management of the project will take into consideration different aspects reported in the dedicated WP. The Spokes and their affiliates define and implement the detailed research and innovation programme that is validated by the Hub. Both the Hub and the Spokes are responsible for achieving their own milestones and targets set by the program.

A dedicated Project Management Office (PMO) will support the RM in the management of the project. It will include 3 administrative staff members of the universities/research centres and 1 staff member of the companies involved in ONFOODS. 

The PMO is intended to assist and facilitate the work of the Spokes. It will support financial, contractual, administrative matters and concerns. 

Further, it will be responsible for project quality and risk assessment, as well as for project communication and dissemination. In order to successfully implement the project, a specific WP on coordination and management has been defined.

On 23/09/24, the "Regulation for the Assignment of Tasks to Third Parties, Outside the OnFoods Foundation" was updated and replaced.