Innovative Support Services Research Articles

MICROAKIS OF DEMONSTRATION FARMS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The demonstration activities are considered as the most effective way to transfer knowledge and innovation among farmers. In the Czech Republic, these activities are supported under Measure 9.F.m Demonstration Farms from national sources. The paper focuses on understanding the "microAKIS" (farm-level knowledge networks) of these demonstration farms to identify key types of actors. The research seeks to answer the research question: Where does the demonstration farm get the information it needs? Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data and the results of the questionnaire survey were processed using the Social Network Analysis method. The contribution of the paper can be expected at evaluation and practical level. The evaluative contribution is in uncovering the knowledge network of demonstration farms and assessing their ability to provide an environment for the dissemination of innovations in agriculture (Innovation Support Services). The practical contribution is in establishing a relationship with demonstration farms and ideally agreeing on regular collection of information supporting the coordination and development of the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System.

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

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.

Farmers’ access, demand, and satisfaction with innovation support services and their determinants: the case of the cocoa sector in Central Cameroon

ABSTRACT Purpose We assessed cocoa farmers’ access to, demand for, and satisfaction with five innovation support services and the factors shaping them. Design/methodology/approach We used data from 10 focus groups and a survey of 421 farmers in Central Cameroon. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and regression models. Findings Results showed that farmers mostly receive training and advice whereas inputs, credit, and equipment are the most demanded services. Training and advice obtained the highest perceived quality score. Conflicts around distribution and capture by leaders were relatively frequent regarding inputs and equipment. Farmers’ satisfaction with service outcomes increased with the number of services received and any services above training and advice yielded higher outcomes. Location, involvement in certification, seniority, and leadership position in farmers’ organisations were significantly associated with access and demand for at least two services while satisfaction with quality was mostly influenced by prior services received and the extent to which they matched expectations. Practical implications Farmers’ demands for services are diverse, hence the importance of providing them with either service bundles or options from which they can choose. Additional efforts are needed from service providers to create an enabling environment for the implementation of the disseminated sustainable management practices. Theoretical implications Farmers’ satisfaction with services can be analysed from different perspectives. Both endogenous and exogenous factors determine access to, demand for, and satisfaction with services. Originality/value This research is the first to assess the provision of innovation support services in the cocoa sector using an analytical framework that combines demand, access, and satisfaction with five services.

Policies and Intervention Approaches Challenges in Promoting Agricultural Innovation: The Case of The Cashew Sector in Benin

Purpose: Innovations are necessary for the development of agricultural sector. However, there are questions about their appropriation and sustainability. This article analyzes policies and intervention approaches challenges in promoting local innovation in the cashew sector in Benin.
 Methodology: This study combines a literature review on policy and intervention approaches and qualitative information from nine cashew project managers to collect data.
 Finding: The results reveal the following three main intervention approaches: (i) Capacity-building approaches, which include training, experience sharing, experimentation and demonstration, (ii) approaches facilitating access to finance and organizational support, and (iii) Business relationship development approaches that focus on relationship building and training. The choice of approaches is generally based on the priorities given to the challenges related to the development of the sector
 Unique Contributions to Theory, Policy and Practice: However, investment and consideration of weaknesses in the implementation of intervention approaches would contribute to the development of innovation and the sustainability of innovation support services in the agricultural sector.

Drivers of innovation in the agro-food micro, small and medium enterprises of Uganda

PurposeWith focus on Uganda, this study assessed the factors influencing agro-food micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) innovations. Kampala, Wakiso, Mukono and Jinja districts were the locations of the research.Design/methodology/approachPrimary cross-sectional data was collected using structured questionnaire for a sample of 521 agro-food MSMEs in Uganda. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used to examine the data in SPSS.FindingsThe findings indicate that MSME innovation levels were usually high, at roughly 80%. The presence of rules that encourage innovation and reward creative people would enhance innovation that is customer-focused. On the other hand, policies and principles that encourage innovation and the conduct of internal product and process improvement research would promote system-focused innovation.Research limitations/implicationsEncouraging agro-food MSMEs to develop policies that support innovation would improve the overall level of innovation, while building the capacity of agro-food MSMEs to conduct product and process improvement research would increase the level of systems-focused research.Originality/valueThis study assessed the drivers of innovation in agri-food MSMEs in a developing country. The uniqueness of this study is in assessing the effects of innovation support services on customer-focused and systems-focused innovations.

Green Production Management and Innovation Nexus: Evidence from Technology-Based SMEs of China

This paper aims to study the relationship between green production management and enterprise innovation through empirical analysis of China’s technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It can promote the improvement of the production management efficiency of enterprises. The rapid development of information technology and the change in social productivity has changed lifestyles in ways that trigger certain challenges in production management, especially in technology-based SMEs. The main issue is the role of leaders and organizational practices. Therefore, this paper designs and improves the structural and operating mechanisms of technology-based SMEs by employing the person fit and evolutionary game models. This paper gathers data from technology-based SMEs of Zhejiang Province, China, by conducting a questionnaire-based survey. The principle of person-environment fit revealed the positive leadership skills of enterprise managers. In addition, the evolutionary game model revealed the re-optimization of SMEs to improve management efficiency through reforming enterprises’ organization, management, and supervision mechanisms. Finally, strengthening collaborative innovation, improving innovation support services, grasping the balanced scale of the system, and boosting the innovation habitat for the healthy and innovative ecosystem of technology-based SMEs are proposed. This paper provides suggestions for policymakers to expand and upgrade management, especially in technology-based enterprises.

New Challenges for Innovation Support Services to Improve Cocoa Quality and Sustainability in Cameroon

Le Cameroun est le cinquième producteur de cacao du continent Africain avec 250.000T. L'offre de services d'appui aux filières cacaoyères a connu des transformations au début des années 90. En effet, (...)

Climate Smart Agriculture Implementation on Coffee Smallholders in Indonesia and Strategy to Accelerate

Sustainable coffee production is significantly threatened by climate change. While implementing CSA practices offers numerous benefits, adoption rates remain low. Coffee plantations are dominated by smallholders and located in rural areas, making them more complex and requiring a comprehensive analysis and intervention. This study used an exploratory approach to assess farmers’ preferences for CSA practices, identify barriers to implement, and design a support system model. The investigation focused on Arabica and Robusta farmers, with case studies from two Indonesian production centres. Preferences assessment used conjoint analysis, barriers evaluation used Mann–Whitney analysis, model development used synthetic approaches, and priority analysis used the Analytical Hierarchy Process. The study revealed that diversification is more desirable than cultivation, soil management, and water management. Arabica farmers preferred intercropping with annual crops, whereas Robusta farmers preferred perennials crops. Robusta farmers assessed that agricultural inputs, such as labor, capital, climatic data, and farm equipment and machinery, existed as barriers. However, these represent a lesser issue for Arabica farmers. We proposed agricultural innovation support system, consisting of innovation support facilities and services, as a comprehensive support system model to accelerate CSA implementation. Further analysis showed that the priority strategy for Arabica farmers is support services that focus on network development, while for Robusta farmers is support facilities that focus on climate information system development.

Innovation support services: an evidence-based exploration of their strategic roles in the Italian AKIS

ABSTRACT Purpose This study explores the state of the art of innovation support services within cooperation projects for innovation in Italy to shed light on the variety of actors that are supporting them and the functions they perform. Design/Methodology/Approach The methodology applied for this study was based on a mix of methods used to monitor and investigate different aspects of cooperation projects for innovation over a period running from 2013 to the present. The analytical framework draws on the extensive literature on innovation support functions. Findings The study highlights a transition scenario of advisory services towards ISSs. A multiplicity of actors, individually and in association, are engaged in supporting co-innovation processes providing all the functions which are used to orient actors in the different phases of the innovation process. Practical implications These findings lay the foundations for reconsidering the role of the innovation support services within the agricultural knowledge and innovation system towards a more inclusive approach that recognises different types of services providers and involves them since the definition of the strategic framework of the CAP. Theoretical implications The study presents a first mapping of the actors providing innovation support services in Italy, showing that all the functions described by the literature are provided during interactive innovation processes by different actors and even in the absence of a specific mandate. Originality/Values The study validates and broadens, through a large-scale analysis, the knowledge about innovation support service providers and the functions they perform.

The Role of Total Quality Management Practices in Improving Service Recovery Performance through Service Innovation in Jordan’s Five-Star Hotels

Although the importance of Total Quality Management (TQM) practices in improving hotel service performance is well known since it is a key to achieving service excellence, the role of TQM practices in improving service recovery performance through service innovation in service businesses has remained a relatively untapped research field. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to investigate the impacts of TQM practices on service recovery, as well as the mediating role of service innovation between TQM and service recovery. This study used a quantitative survey method, with data collected from a sample of 414 staff working at Jordan's five-star hotels using a questionnaire. The results indicated a significant positive effect of TQM on service innovation and service recovery, and that service innovation fully mediates the relationship between TQM and service recovery. The current study presents an innovative approach since it is one of the first and few research papers that provide empirical evidence for the mediating effect of service innovation between TQM and service recovery. This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the roles of TQM and service innovation in increasing service recovery performance, and it helps practitioners understand how TQM practices support service innovation and the latter’s role in improving service recovery performance.

Competencies for Agricultural Advisors in Innovation Support

The expectation that agricultural advisors will facilitate Interactive Innovation is accompanied by novel expectations for their competency profile. In addition to their traditional technical basis, advisors are now expected to organise multi-actor processes, facilitate learning, mediate conflict, etc. Innovation support services are inherently diverse. To date, no precise list of competencies required by agricultural advisors to support Interactive Innovation has been defined. To form the basis for a competency profile, we examine the competencies currently being expected from an agricultural advisor. This suggested profile, developed in the context of the H2020 i2connect project, is based on a literature review, semi-structured interviews with co-creation experts, and an online validation workshop. We explore five themes: (a) basic disposition and attitude, (b) content competence, (c) methodological competence, (d) organisational competence, and (e) reflection, learning, and personal development. In practice, the profile can be used as either a tool for setting up co-creation processes or as the foundation for the development of new training materials. We conclude with a recommendation to create teams of advisors rather than relying on individuals, as a team is more likely to comprise the diversity of required competencies.

Farmers’ networks and the quest for reliable advice: innovating in Greece

ABSTRACT Purpose This paper seeks to better understand the dynamics of farmers’ innovating processes by focusing on their sources of advice at various stages of their innovation process, specifically within the weak and fragmented Greek Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS). Design/methodology/approach The study employed a mixed-method approach, drawing data from interviews with 112 farmers engaged in three innovation cases in Greece. Findings Some farmers, despite the lack of advisory services, are engaged in innovating processes. They thus seek advice from various sources through networks which vary between farmers and stages of the innovating process. However, networking is not always successful and the knowledge acquired is not always valid. Practical implications The study points to the need for advisory and innovation support services and facilitated networks in the quest for successful innovating paths. Theoretical implications The paper underlines the complexity of farmers’ sources of knowledge. Thus, the paper highlights the importance of untangling the innovating processes’ stages and farmers’ information and advice networks that underpin decision-making in each of these stages. Originality/value Τhe paper points to the diversity of configurations of advice pertaining to complex farmers’ innovating processes, especially under adverse circumstances in terms of provision of innovation support services.

To what extent can local-led innovation platforms tackle complex agricultural development challenges? Insights from Madagascar

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the emergence and specificities of local-led innovation platforms (IPs) in Madagascar and contrast them with neighbouring research-led IPs. Design/methodology/approach We developed a multi-disciplinary framework combining insights from the literature on IP, innovation support services, and innovative networks. Using an exploratory multiple case study approach, we used this framework to analyse eight IPs in Madagascar. Findings (i) local-led IPs are problem oriented, (ii) there is a gap between the stated objectives of the IPs and their activities, (iii) their significant shortcomings result from weak or lacking inter-organisational management practices. Practical Implications We propose concrete avenues for strengthening local-led IPs by building their capacity to innovate at the individual, organisational and network levels. Theoretical Implications We contribute to refining IP assessment methods with an operational framework based on a small subset of variables, focusing on activities, shortcomings, and inter-organisational management practices. We also call for further research into innovation network capacities. Originality/Value Our study sheds light on less documented local-led IPs. From a critical point of view, it shows that, despite the interest they attract among donors, local-led IPs suffer from specific weaknesses and require substantial support, especially when they operate in weak enabling environments.

Smart integration of sensors, computer vision and knowledge representation for intelligent monitoring and verbal human-computer interaction.

The details presented in this article revolve around a sophisticated monitoring framework equipped with knowledge representation and computer vision capabilities, that aims to provide innovative solutions and support services in the healthcare sector, with a focus on clinical and non-clinical rehabilitation and care environments for people with mobility problems. In contemporary pervasive systems most modern virtual agents have specific reactions when interacting with humans and usually lack extended dialogue and cognitive competences. The presented tool aims to provide natural human-computer multi-modal interaction via exploitation of state-of-the-art technologies in computer vision, speech recognition and synthesis, knowledge representation, sensor data analysis, and by leveraging prior clinical knowledge and patient history through an intelligent, ontology-driven, dialogue manager with reasoning capabilities, which can also access a web search and retrieval engine module. The framework’s main contribution lies in its versatility to combine different technologies, while its inherent capability to monitor patient behaviour allows doctors and caregivers to spend less time collecting patient-related information and focus on healthcare. Moreover, by capitalising on voice, sensor and camera data, it may bolster patients’ confidence levels and encourage them to naturally interact with the virtual agent, drastically improving their moral during a recuperation process.

Fostering Commercialization of Innovation and Student Entrepreneurship in Innovation Ecosystems: the Case of the Business Center of North Savo in Finland

The capability to plan and execute commercialization processes of innovation is crucial for entrepreneurs, SMEs and large companies in a dynamic business environment. Enterprising students particularly need Innovation Support Services (ISS) that focus on their needs, type of service and quality of delivery. Using the case study methodology, this research presents the initiative of the Business Center of the North Savo Program in Finland. Results indicate that entrepreneurs and small firms typically conduct similar steps and, therefore, it is essential to create a comprehensive blueprint of innovation services based on the needs and tailored to the respective phase of commercialization processes.

Knowledge transfer and innovation adoption in women farmers

PurposeThe study aims to analyse patterns of innovation adoption among Italian female-owned farms, by evaluating the impact of innovation support services and entrepreneurial orientation on innovation adoption.Design/methodology/approachTo explore both the entrepreneurial identity of women farmers and the role of innovation support services in boosting innovation, a questionnaire was administered to a sample of Italian women farmers. A multivariate analysis lets to classify the farms under the previous two perspectives.FindingsThe analysis reveals various patterns of innovation adoption, heavily depending on both the effectiveness of innovation support services and farmers' entrepreneurial orientation.Research limitations/implicationsThe research analyses a sample of women farmers to excavate worlds of innovation among female-owned farms. Cross-gender comparisons can offer a more complete picture of the ways gender catalyses innovation adoption.Practical implicationsAt a policy level, the results of our empirical analysis point out the need for gendering innovation analysis and for tailoring policy interventions to the different worlds of innovation that exist in rural Italy.Social implicationsThe paper confirms the importance of deepening research on gender issues, with the purpose of fulfilling gender mainstreaming underlined in numerous policy documents at both the European and international levels.Originality/valueThe analysis represents a first attempt to join both the entrepreneurial identity of women farmers and the role of innovation support services in boosting innovation. Therefore, the paper fills a gap in the literature.

Customer requirement-driven design method and computer-aided design system for supporting service innovation conceptualization handling

How to create value to meet customers’ requirements by effectively using advanced digital technology (DT) for digital transformation is an implementation challenge for new and future scenarios of current contexts. Valid digital transformation issues need to be considered to deliver novel values with sustainability concerns. Attempting to effectively achieve a successful service system design in an industrial context, a holistic customer requirement-driven service design method with abductive logic was proposed to drive self-service productivity enhancement. Laddering theory, ontology-based design knowledge hierarchy (DKH), theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) and quality function deployment (QFD) technique are adopted in terms of effective design knowledge handling in innovation conceptualization with a traceable path and abductive logic linking from customer concerns, business context and technology digitization. Then, a comprehensive case study of an empirical smart meal-ordering service system for the digital transformation of canteen processes was illustrated to verify this approach.

Libraries and the REF: how do librarians contribute to research excellence?

Librarians support research in a wide variety of ways. However, librarians may not always receive recognition for the valuable contributions they make to the research life cycle or research environments. In higher education institutions (HEIs), librarians face competition from other professional support services in addition to external organizations and suppliers. This article provides an analysis of submissions made by HEIs to the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2014 and demonstrates that the work of librarians is rarely acknowledged in substantive ways, particularly in STEM disciplines. It provides an overview of the multiple ways in which librarians contribute to research environments as well as how they can practically contribute to the REF 2021 submission process and other research assessment processes. Librarians have developed a wide range of responsive and innovative support services over the last decade and REF 2021 is demonstrated to be an opportunity for librarians to gain recognition for the important role they play in UK HEIs.

Segmentation Techniques for Innovation Support Services

Abstract Segmentation of clients is a strategy widely used by companies and marketing units to sell their process. However, this concept is not so well established and widespread in public agencies supporting SME innovation. What are the benefits of designing advanced segmentation strategies for development agencies? Economic development practitioners agree that it’s necessary to provide customised innovation services to companies to get a greater impact. This paper presents how nine development agencies from seven European countries carry out their segmentation strategies to provide tailored initiatives of SMEs’ innovation support. The analysis also identifies common challenges RDA face, and how introducing Big Data Analysis can help them enhance innovation support in their regions.

Design innovation practices in a global supply chain

Whereas the contribution of design thinking has already been appreciated both in academic literature and practice in the West, there have been little serious and comprehensive studies focusing on Hong Kong and China. This case study paper, therefore, reports about the design innovation practice in Fung Group, a Hong Kong-based company whose core businesses operate across the global supply chain for consumer goods including sourcing, logistics, distribution and retailing. The analysis (1) identifies and describes design practices that the company initiated to support service innovation (including new products, processes and business models) (2) identifies challenges in adopting and institutionalising such practices. The results show that the company supports both externally and internally oriented design practices – and loosens the boundary between the two – through the activities in the Fung Academy and a new innovation hub, Explorium, with a particular focus on utilising digital technologies. Specifically, the study demonstrates how the company empowers and involves a variety of stakeholders (individuals, groups, and organisations) in value co-creating practices involving absorptive, collaborative, and adaptive practices that aim to challenge or disrupt current practices. The study uncovers that some of the major challenges in such aspirations lie in the adaptation of design thinking organising logic and mindset to specifics of the Chinese socio-cultural context.