Towards inclusive innovation in the European context – the innovation capacity of alternative networks for sustainable agriculture

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper explores how the conceptual elements of inclusive innovation theory can enhance similar approaches developed in the European context. In post-productivist, sustainable agriculture, bottom-up networks provide alternative sites of innovation to the official systems of knowledge creation, driving a focus on inclusive innovation. However, the origination and spread of inclusive innovation in sustainable agriculture depends on many social and economic factors. This article offers a framework to analyse these factors and their effect on the innovation capacity of networks in sustainable agriculture. We consider both internal and external dimensions of innovation, and also their interplay in a dynamic system. We describe the internal factors that shape the functioning of innovation networks in terms of organizational dynamism, while external factors are examined in terms of relational dynamism. We argue that reflexive adaptation to changing circumstances holds the key to successful innovation pathways. To illustrate our ideas, two Hungarian case studies are used, based on the EU-funded SOLINSA research project.