Abstract
The implementation of eco-innovations can be a strategy to combine economic benefit and reduce negative environmental impact. German greenhouse production is highly energy intensive, as heating and energy account for the second largest cost factor. Thus, the sector wants to develop and implement eco-innovations to speed up the process towards increased sustainability. In this paper, a sectoral systems of innovation (SSI) analysis is presented to identify and describe interrelated systemic barriers for developing and implementing such innovations into the sector. The SSI was used as an analytical framework, which enabled covering different system levels and components in the research in order to draw a comprehensive picture of this specific innovation environment. A mixed-methods, explorative approach was used: a literature analysis, followed by an expert workshop and semi-structured expert interviews, was conducted to understand the barriers for development and implementation of such innovations. A SWOT workshop assisted in generalizing results from selected innovation examples. A complementary two-wave Delphi study was used to identify innovation activity, important actors, policies and drivers within horticulture. Based on these data, we were able to identify different barrier-types, showing how they are interconnected and affect innovation processes increasing ecological modernization of the sector.
Highlights
The agricultural and food sector is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, and exhibits great potential for developing transformative solutions and strategies to reduce such emissions, which contribute to global climate goals or the sustainable development goals (SDGs) [1]
The results were shortly presented in a key message fashion and participants were to choose two out of seven key messages for further discussion
Interface management to improve communication and coordination among innovating actors and role of extension services for creation and diffusion of eco-innovation were chosen as most relevant issues
Summary
The agricultural and food sector is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, and exhibits great potential for developing transformative solutions and strategies to reduce such emissions, which contribute to global climate goals or the sustainable development goals (SDGs) [1]. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) that are characteristic of this sector still often use old facilities and equipment [4] This type of enterprise has been found to be less energy-effective than larger enterprises and is, the focus for policies addressing national climate and sustainability goals [5,6,7,8]. Germany has introduced several sector-specific programs that should spur innovation activity in horticulture and agriculture, increase development and implementation of eco-innovations [14] in general, and energy efficient technology [7]. EM is a multi-faceted process that includes organizational, societal, market or ecological considerations, subsuming different types of innovation such as techniques, practices, processes or services [10,11]
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