Understanding innovation systems can help identify, design, and implement strategies that strengthen collaboration, drive innovation, and support equitable growth. While the term is commonly used in agriculture—as in Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) and Agricultural Innovation Systems (AIS)—it is also relevant in sectors such as health, business, and technology.
Innovation often emerges through interactions among diverse actors, making knowledge sharing, social learning, and adaptive processes central to its success. Key elements within an innovation system include:
- Actors – individuals, organisations, and networks driving innovation
- Institutions – formal and informal structures shaping the process
- Technological factors – tools, platforms, and infrastructure supporting change
There are strong connections between innovation systems thinking and other approaches, such as social learning, adaptive management and responsible innovation. The resources below explore how innovation systems thinking can support more collaborative and context-specific solutions across sectors.
Knowledge management for innovation in agri-food systems
This 2024 paper by Andrea Gardeazabala et al. introduces the Agricultural Knowledge Management for Innovation (AKM4I) framework, designed to enhance knowledge flows in agricultural innovation systems (AIS). Unlike traditional linear, top-down approaches, AKM4I addresses power dynamics, trust, and ownership, ensuring more inclusive and adaptive knowledge management. By formalising information exchange and overcoming relational barriers, it fosters more effective and transformative agricultural innovation. A case study illustrates its practical application.
Revealing power dynamics and staging conflicts in agricultural system transitions: Case studies of innovation platforms in New Zealand
This 2020 study by James Turner et al. examines how power dynamics shape agricultural innovation in New Zealand. Using case studies, the paper identifies conflicts as key moments that reveal relationships between actors and the wider institutional system. It highlights the need to consider role perceptions, power structures, and social learning when facilitating agricultural system transitions.
Agriculture 4.0: Broadening Responsible Innovation in an Era of Smart Farming
This 2018 paper by David Rose and Jason Chilvers argues for integrating responsible innovation principles—including anticipation, inclusion, reflexivity, and responsiveness—into smart farming. The authors propose a broader, systemic approach to ensure ethical and socially responsible innovation in agriculture, accounting for diverse participation and the existing innovation landscape.
Learning and Innovation Networks for Sustainable Agriculture: processes of co-evolution, joint reflection and facilitation
This 2015 study by Heidrun Moschitz et al. explores how co-evolution, joint reflection, and facilitation contribute to sustainable agricultural transitions. Drawing from the European SOLINSA project, the paper examines how institutional structures shape innovation networks, and how structured facilitation can improve collaboration and learning among stakeholders.
Agricultural Innovation Systems : An Investment Sourcebook
This World Bank resource provides a practical guide to designing investments and policies that strengthen agricultural innovation systems. It outlines approaches to support knowledge sharing, collaboration, and technology adoption, offering insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working in sustainable agricultural development.
Developing a framework for responsible innovation
This 2013 paper by Jack Stilgoe, Richard Owen, and Phil Macnaghten introduces a responsible innovation framework, highlighting four key dimensions: anticipation, reflexivity, inclusion, and responsiveness. The authors argue that innovation governance should focus on both technological progress and ethical considerations, ensuring sustainability and social responsibility in emerging innovations.
Agricultural Innovation Systems: The Role of the Government
This 2013 OECD report analyses policy impacts on agricultural innovation systems (AIS) and presents a framework for governments to enhance innovation in agri-food systems. It explores how policies influence research and knowledge transfer, private-sector involvement, and sustainability outcomes.
Critical reflections on designing and implementing innovation platforms
This 2013 CGIAR report by Birgit Boogaard et al. highlights the complexities of engaging with innovation platforms. Rather than providing a rigid framework, the report outlines key considerations for researchers working in participatory innovation initiatives, offering insights on stakeholder engagement and system change.
A number of other pages on this site point to material relevant to different aspects of managing innovation, including the social learning section. This includes pages on reflective practice and monitoring and evaluation. Other useful pages include facilitation tools and techniques and critical reflection. The full range of pages can be accessed from the top menu bar.
