innovation systems

This issue of the Urban Agriculture magazine explores the experiences of Food Policy Councils (FPCs) and similar entities, with a particular focus on their approach to inclusiveness, documented impacts, and challenges faced. hese groups bring stakeholders together to share perspectives on food systems challenges, to develop innovative solutions, and to influence food-related policy and planning. Most FPCs in this issue seek to include a spectrum of stakeholders from across the food system, such as farmers, distributors, processors and vendors. »

This study identified innovation opportunities that have the potential to increase access to safe and nutritious foods in emerging markets in the next five years. The 12 innovations are distinguished by 4 priorities: 1) Start with sustainable, nutritious foods; 2) Invest in proximale processing; 3) Tackle traceability for safety and transparency and; 4) Keep it cool (cold storage options). Together, they would promote increased access to safe, nutritious foods that are available to consumers for longer periods of time. »

This article discusses the role of innovation brokers in bridging communication gaps between various actors of agricultural  innovation systems. Innovation brokers help build synergy in agricultural innovation systems, but their “behind-the-scenes” mode of operating conceals their impact. »

This working paper provides examples of ‘systems analysis’; describing the context, what was done, and how the outcomes informed broader research and development activities. Agricultural innovation systems (AIS) are complex, multi-layered, and can be difficult to define and analyse. »

The Royal Tropical Institute has published a series of Working Papers on Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS). Over the past several decades, myriad initiatives have experimented with AIS. Now it is time to reflect on what has been achieved. »

This paper by CIMMYT argues that successful agricultural interventions require social shifts, not just technological. Traditionally, agricultural research organizations measured impact by the number of technologies developed, with less attention given to whether or not these technologies were adopted by farmers and the impact they had in communities. Currently, research and extension approaches based on agricultural innovation systems are becoming more popular. »