ISHS Acta Horticulturae 655: XV International Symposium on Horticultural Economics and Management
SPEEDING UP INNOVATION PROCESSES THROUGH SOCIO-TECHNICAL NETWORKS: A CASE IN DUTCH HORTICULTURE |
| Authors: | A. de Buck, J. Buurma |
| Keywords: | innovation management, knowledge system, networks |
| Abstract:
The current knowledge system in Dutch agriculture is not sufficiently able to bridge the developments in the primary sector and the demands of society. This hampers the transition to a production system that is sustainable in the sense of People, Planet and Profit. The required system innovation comprises four strategic development pathways: 1) knowledge development 2) technology development 3) product development and 4) institution development. This paper proposes a new knowledge system that is driven by entrepreneurs and has the approval and mandate of intermediate groups (such as co-operatives, producers’ organisations, ngo’s and government). This Socio-Technical Network is based on a coalition of stakeholders from different fields of society that are professionally involved with a specific innovation. The strategic visions of stakeholders were assessed through in-depth interviews. Coalitions are set up amongst stakeholders with similar or compatible development pathways. Network formation is illustrated with the case of the introduction of a new production system in relation with the transition towards a sustainable chrysanthemum sector in the Netherlands. The result was a Socio-Technical Network that exerted upon technology development on cropping systems in artificial substrate on roller tables, knowledge development in integrated pest management and institution development with regard to the knowledge system and sector organisations. Product and market development is a possible extension of the network activities. | |
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