Towards a better conceptual framework for innovation processes in agriculture and rural development: from linear models to systemic approaches



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https://ifsa.boku.ac.at/cms/fileadmin/Proceeding2008/2008_WS6_10_Knickel.pdf
Type: 
conference paper
Author(s): 
Knickel, K.
Brunori, G.
Rand, S.
Proost, J.
Description: 

In this paper, presented at the 8th European IFSA Symposium ( Workshop 6: "Change in knowledge systems and extension services: Role of the new actors") in 2008, the authors discuss a conceptual framework that understands innovation processes as the outcome of collaborative networks where information is exchanged and learning processes happen. They argue that technical and economic factors used to analyse drivers and barriers alone are not sufficient to understand innovation processes. The related social and institutional aspects of crosssector as well as intra sector processes are explored. Overall, they emphasize that innovation functions as a process where farmers’ and rural entrepreneurs’ knowledge, motivations and values play an important role. The authors emphasize that institutions, administrations and extension services, whose mission it is to support changes, can become barriers to innovation if they do not acknowledge that the needs of farmers and of society have changed. The paper builds on the conceptual level work carried out in the on-going EU funded IN-SIGHT research programme with multidisciplinary teams from seven European countries.  

Publication year: 
2008