Co-resourcing and actors’ practices as catalysts for agricultural innovation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose In this work, we aim to shed light on how co-resourcing and actors’ practices impact the agricultural innovation process. Design/Methodology/Approach In a first step, we conceptualized agricultural innovation as the process during which actors exchange solutions that enable innovation to emerge. To provide these solutions, actors integrate operand and operant resources while simultaneously changing the context within which the innovation process takes place through their practices. By using three case studies, we present how co-resourcing and actors’ practices catalyze agricultural innovation. Findings Actors participate in solution networks having different aims. After setting forth value propositions, they engage in co-resourcing processes, using a wide array of practices (even ‘dark’ ones) to extract value from the innovation. Practical Implications This study suggests the need for both research and policy to pay close attention to the process of co-resourcing and the practices used by actors involved in agricultural innovation networks. Theoretical Implications The present work reveals that actors who have access to or own key resources take dominant positions in innovation networks, thus having the potential to form institutions in a way that serves their individual interests. Originality/value This study uncovers that actors’ practices during co-resourcing catalyze the agricultural innovation process.