Better instruments and approaches are needed to transform agri-food systems research and innovation

A range of approaches and financial instruments have been used to stimulate and support innovation in agriculture and resolve interlocking constraints for uptake at scale. These include innovation platforms, results-based payments, value chain approaches, grants and prizes, incubators, participatory work with farmer networks, and many more. A CoSAI-commissioned study critically compares and evaluates the effectiveness of different approaches at realizing economic, environmental and social objectives.

The study provides a goal-oriented process to help investors and funders select the most appropriate instrument, or combination of them, to support entrepreneurship, financing and innovation in real-life contexts. Investment decisions are guided through a framework of questions that enable effective design and implementation.