The Problems of Knowledge Economy and Innovation Processes in Agriculture Case Study of the Nitra Region

Abstract Agriculture is an important element of rural economy development, currently facing many problems. The unfinished process of economic transformation, division of land use and land ownership, disintegrated social networks, under-developed institutions – these are the problems hindering the knowledge economy enforcement. Among the agricultural enterprises there is a high level of distrust resulting into low cooperation, reluctance against partnerships and networks which represent the main instrument for knowledge economy enforcement. Moreover, the current EU agricultural policy which is adjusted for agricultural conditions in the old member states hampers innovation activities of agricultural enterprises and conserves inefficient structures in them.