Do innovation support services meet the needs of agri-food SMEs in cross-border regions? A case study from the Euregio Rhine-Waal

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose Innovations in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are essential for increasing resource efficiency and sustainability in the agri-food system. An innovation support service (ISS) can benefit SMEs but the provision and access to it can be restricted across national borders thereby hindering cross-border regions’ economic potential. The aim was to investigate how ISSs are provided and used in such a region and explore stakeholders’ perceptions on their limitations and opportunities. Methodology We conducted a case study in the Dutch-German cross-border region Euregio Rhine-Waal which included a content analysis of websites and stakeholder interviews. Findings The provision of ISSs was limited by differing structures and priorities in both countries. SMEs’ unfamiliarity with responsible authorities, significant administrative effort, and uncertainty about pay-offs were perceived as factors limiting ISS. Practical implications We provide recommendations on how to improve ISS in cross-border regions and inform policymaking for cross-border regional development. We recommend reducing limitations of ISS provision and use, e.g. by engaging ISS providers and users in a co-creative approach. Furthermore, we suggest using opportunities of ISS provision and use, e.g. through increased promotion of available ISS by brokers. Theoretical implications Our research contributes to the literature of extension and advisory systems by showing how differing institutional settings, combined with different ‘innovation cultures’ and the availability of cross-border brokers affect cross-border integration of ISS. Originality This is the first study to explore the limitations and potentials of ISSs in a cross-border region.