Around 2009 LNV (then a part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Agriculture) introduced and promoted the ‘Golden Triangle Approach’. To this end, the government, the business community, as well as research and knowledge centres formed a ‘golden triangle’. In 2011- strengthened with the top sectors policy of the Dutch government, Agricultural Top-sectors were identified that are critical to the Dutch economy and employment, in which the Dutch government wanted to stimulate innovation and investments in developing countries. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) was an important player in this triangle and actively contributed to the Top Sectors ‘Agri & Food’ and ‘Horticulture and Propagation Materials’ in particular. In these sectors, WUR played a role as a knowledge partner in Public-Private Partnership initiatives (PPPs).
From 2012 onwards, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs used and promoted the ‘Dutch Diamond Approach to Sustainable Development’ within food systems. The approach elaborated on the golden triangle approach but also included civil society organizations (CSOs) working in partnership to realize development results by combining the competencies of partners and pooling the various goals, funds, risks, and responsibilities.
The corporate working practices and market-oriented methods of the private sector were linked with the local knowledge and poverty reduction focus of CSOs. Knowledge institutions contributed their expertise, while governments acted as brokers and co-financers.