Farm diversification efforts, (open) innovation networks and performance: what is the connection?

PurposeBased on farm diversification's conventional and unconventional nature, the study intends to discriminate different profiles of farm diversification businesses. Furthermore, this study analyses the links between farm diversification efforts, (open) innovation networks as well as the environmental performance (EP) and financial performance (FP) of farms.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was administered through personal interviews with 160 fresh fruit farmers in an inland Portuguese region. Linear regression, latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logistic regression were used.FindingsThere are significant differences between the levels of diversification, performance and participation in (open) innovation networks of the three classes of farmers discriminated. Different types of diversification efforts and (open) innovation networks influence EP and FP, while FP and R&D projects are associated with the likelihood of being part of a farm diversification class. Moreover, this study shows that innovation networks, promoted by specialized agricultural advisors and R&D projects, are important forms of open innovation in the agricultural sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe study contributes to understanding the agricultural sector's diversification efforts and (open) innovation networks and their association with EP and FP. The conventional or unconventional nature of farm diversification was self-reported.Practical implicationsEuropean and local institutions are advised to develop more R&D programs directed to farmers, including environmental and financial issues, besides comprising agricultural and non-agricultural diversification.Originality/valueThis study provides new insights to understand the association between diversification efforts, (open) innovation networks and agricultural businesses' performance.

The Impact of Interplay Between Formal and Informal Institutions on the Development of Innovation Networks: A Comparative Study of CEECs

The aim of this paper is to present the results of comparative case study research concerning the impact of the interplay between formal and informal institutions on the development of innovation networks of the Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs). The primary contribution this article makes is to link the literature on the interplay between institutions related to innovation networks in a broad range of economies in transition like CEECs. This paper provides an understanding of how interplay between these institutions may influence the development of innovation networks of CEECs. Practical policy recommendations are to introduce a risk guarantee mechanism, which may promote the innovation process at different levels and influence the development of innovation networks later.

Drivers, Processes, and Outcomes of the STI and DUI Modes of Innovation: A Systematic Review

Two promising streams of research in innovation involve the innovation stemming from the interaction of multiple actors (i.e. innovation networks) and innovation modes [the modes focused on science, technology, and innovation (STI) and learning by doing, using, and interacting (DUI)]. However, scholars have not exerted much effort in cross-referencing these two literature streams. Following a protocol to conduct a systematic review of the literature, through Scimago journals ranking (Q1 and Q2 classification) available at the Web of Science and B-On databases, this study considered 44 articles for eligibility. Moreover, it systematically considers the key features of innovation emerging from DUI networks versus STI networks. Finally, it contributes to future innovation research by comprehensively reviewing the drivers, processes, and outcomes of the STI and DUI innovation emerging from networks.

Analysis on Evolution Characteristics and Dynamic Mechanism of Urban Green Innovation Network: A Case Study of Yangtze River Economic Belt

This study puts forward a logical framework for green innovation network analysis, which includes a spatial dimension, a relational dimension, and a systems dimension. Here, we put forward some basic research ideas concerning the optimization and regulation of green innovation networks in terms of the systems dimension and we investigate the micro-dynamic mechanisms of green innovation network expansion using a spatial econometric model. Our main research results are as follows: The efficiency of green innovation in the Yangtze River Economic Belt has improved significantly, however, the gap between cities has gradually increased, and a problem of efficiency regression has emerged. The green innovation network has changed from the primary stage dominated by Edge Network to the rapid growth stage dominated by Supporting Network, and formed a complex network pattern with diversified hierarchical structure. Node symmetry is helpful in forming more extroverted connections and promoting the expansion of green innovation networks. Node proximity and connection symmetry inhibit the growth and development of networks, and knowledge flow cooperation networks can accelerate the evolution of green innovation networks. Finally, this paper holds that we should combine the actual development needs, emphasize the basic principles of differentiated development, and construct the development pattern of regional collaborative innovation. This can also provide a theoretical reference for enriching our understanding of green innovation networks while narrowing the gap between cities.