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Uncovering the Challenges and Cornerstones for the Governance of an Innovation Ecosystem in Organic and Agroecological Agriculture

Author

Listed:
  • Cristiane Barreto

    (Center for Sustainable Development, University of Brasília, Darcy Ribiero Campus, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil)

  • Ana Clara Carlos

    (Center for Sustainable Development, University of Brasília, Darcy Ribiero Campus, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil)

  • Isabella Silva

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University of Brasília, Darcy Ribiero Campus, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil)

  • Renata Nunes

    (Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Brasília, Darcy Ribiero Campus, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil)

  • Aline Lourenço

    (Post-Graduation Program in Mechatronic Systems, Technology College, University of Brasília, Darcy Ribiero Campus, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil)

  • Sanderson Barbalho

    (Post-Graduation Program in Mechatronic Systems, Technology College, University of Brasília, Darcy Ribiero Campus, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil)

Abstract

The concept of innovation ecosystems brigs to light a whole set of stakeholders that face an entire set of barriers to making new technologies change people’s lives. This research aimed to understand and analyze the innovation ecosystem in organic and agroecological production in the Federal District, Brazil, and its directly influenced area. The purpose was to analyze the role of each stakeholder in ecosystem governance and build strategies for boosting organic food value chains in the territory. A questionnaire was applied to 27 institutions identified as the potential backbone of the innovation ecosystem. The Gephi 0.10.1 software and the Force Atlas 2 network algorithm set up the relationship network. We verified a certain misalignment between expected roles and functions performed by 66% of the stakeholders. Low integration and dispersed relationships in the network were observed with a misalignment around the innovation concept in organic food production. This arrangement of the ecosystem is compatible with an initial stage, in which stakeholders and resources would be spread out and demobilized. Although shared governance is the most effective for an innovation ecosystem, the analyzed ecosystem demands centralized governance with a leading organization. Strengthening strategies were proposed to (i) define leadership, (ii) define roles or competencies, and (iii) strengthen community attributes.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristiane Barreto & Ana Clara Carlos & Isabella Silva & Renata Nunes & Aline Lourenço & Sanderson Barbalho, 2024. "Uncovering the Challenges and Cornerstones for the Governance of an Innovation Ecosystem in Organic and Agroecological Agriculture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5634-:d:1426559
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hoffecker, Elizabeth, 2021. "Understanding inclusive innovation processes in agricultural systems: A middle-range conceptual model," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 140(C).
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    3. Mehmet Ali Koseoglu, 2016. "Mapping the institutional collaboration network of strategic management research: 1980–2014," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 109(1), pages 203-226, October.
    4. Dedehayir, Ozgur & Mäkinen, Saku J. & Roland Ortt, J., 2018. "Roles during innovation ecosystem genesis: A literature review," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 18-29.
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    Cited by:

    1. Liu, Fei & Zheng, Di & Zhao, Dongyang & Wen, Bo, 2026. "Spatiotemporal differentiation and evolution of associated networks of China's agricultural innovation ecosystem," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).

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