Research, extension, and advisory services are some of the most knowledge-intensive elements of agricultural innovation systems. They are also among the heaviest users of information communication technologies (ICTs). This module introduces ICT developments in the wider innovation and knowledge systems as well as explores drivers of ICT use in research and extension
La presente tesis ha desarrolado un modelo de negocio inclusivo que busca contribuir a mejorar los niveles de desempeño empresarial de la Asociación Apu Pachatusan y de otros actores locales vinculados a la cadena de valor de la fibra de alpaca. Se espera que este proceso también contribuya a mejorar las condiciones de vida de la población rural que se encuentra vinculada a estas asociaciones y que dependen de la producción y procesamiento de esta fibra en el distrito de Marcapata.
Successful cases of innovation invariably demonstrate a range of partnerships, alliances and network-like arrangements that connect together knowledge users, knowledge producers and others involved in enabling innovation in the market, policy and civil society arenas. With this comes the realisation that public agricultural research needs to strengthen links to a wider set of players from the private and civil society sectors and, of course, farmers themselves. Public agricultural extension services have traditionally played the role of linking farmers to technology.
This thematic note discusses the role of innovation brokers in bridging communication gaps between various actors of innovation systems. On the basis of recent experience in the Netherlands, it outlines the success of brokers in finding solutions adapted to the needs of farmers and industry, and thus their positive impact on innovation adoption. This section also examines some issues on how brokers function, particularly with regard to balancing interests, funding their activities, and the role of government.