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Innovators and Innovations in the Agricultural Sector in the Province of Santa Fe, Argentina

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  • Elias Julio Jorge
  • Forzani Agustin

Abstract

The agricultural sector in Argentina has undergone a profound transformation over the past fifty years, driven by a series of innovations aimed at enhancing productivity and quality. This paper focuses on the Province of Santa Fe, one of Argentina’s main agricultural regions, and examines how innovation unfolded through the case of Federico Trucco, CEO of Bioceres, and the institutional networks that supported this process, particularly the Argentine No-Till Farmers Association (AAPRESID). Drawing on David Galenson’s economic approach to creativity, which distinguishes between conceptual and experimental innovators, we analyze Trucco’s trajectory, his investment in human capital, and the innovations he has led, notably the development of HB4 technology, the first commercially available GMO wheat in the world. Our findings highlight the role innovators and, more broadly, the importance of entrepreneurial talent, risk-taking, and institutional networks in fostering agricultural transformation. The case of Santa Fe illustrates that even in a traditional sector like agriculture, innovation can thrive and position a region at the global frontier.

Suggested Citation

  • Elias Julio Jorge & Forzani Agustin, 2025. "Innovators and Innovations in the Agricultural Sector in the Province of Santa Fe, Argentina," Asociación Argentina de Economía Política: Working Papers 4797, Asociación Argentina de Economía Política.
    • Handle: RePEc:aep:anales:4797
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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