This paper uses the Mexican Sustainable Modernisation of Traditional Agriculture (Ma-sAgro) programme as a case study to analyse the challenges to operationalizing agricultural innovation systems. The authors outline the relationship between Mexico ́s extension approaches and global trends in technological change. They then analyse how MasAgro ́s innovatio nnetworks are operationalized. Thirdly, is identified ways to efficiently target in innovation networks, using a case-study from the state of Chiapas. Finally, the paper draw lessons from MasAgro ́s innovation systems.