F1. Entrepreneurial activities
|
Entrepreneurs generate potential for innovation through knowledge, network development, and the search for new markets, thus creating new business opportunities and adding value (Hekkert & Negro, 2009Hekkert, M., & Negro, S. (2009). Functions of innovation systems as a framework to understand sustainable technological change: empirical evidence for earlier claims. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 76(4), 584-594.). This function is also defined in terms of the development of new technologies and applications at the company scale to reduce uncertainty (Audouin, et al., 2018Audouin, S., Gazull, L., & Gautier, D. (2018). Territory matters: exploring the functioning of an innovation system through the filter of local territorial practices - the example of the adoption of cashew trees in Burkina Faso. Journal of Rural Studies, 63, 130-140. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2018.08.007 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.201...
). |
F2. Knowledge development
|
Knowledge development drives innovation. It does not take place, however, only in formal research institutions: it needs to take into account farmers, companies, and other actors within the agricultural innovation system as well (Hermans et al., 2015Hermans, F., Klerkx, L., & Roep, D. (2015). Structural conditions for collaboration and learning in innovation networks: using an innovation system performance lens to analyse agricultural knowledge systems.The Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension,21(1), 35-54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2014.991113 http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2014....
) |
F3. Knowledge diffusion and network development
|
Knowledge networks are a key function to promote information exchange, which contributes to further knowledge and innovation. Other authors have highlighted the importance of platforms and networks in promoting interactive learning and innovation, as well as the distribution of roles to facilitate diffusion (Eastwood et al., 2017Eastwood, C., Klerkx, L., & Nettle, R. (2017). Dynamics and distribution of public and private research and extension roles for technological innovation and diffusion: Case studies of the implementation and adaptation of precision farming technologies.Journal of Rural Studies,49, 1-12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2016.11.008 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.201...
) |
F4. Guidance of the search
|
This system function requires developing a vision for the innovation system to guide entrepreneurial activities and knowledge development. “Innovation agendas” are particularly important in order to determine collective priorities for subsectors and regions, which includes designing future scenarios |
F5. Market formation
|
This function refers to developing markets for new products, or existing products with new features. It involves promoting the formation of niche markets through strategies that promote demand for new products and generate consumer awareness. It is specifically related to functions such as resource mobilization to obtain risk capital, for instance (Klerkx et al., 2010Klerkx, L., Aarts, N., & Leeuwis, C. (2010). Adaptive management in agricultural innovation systems: The interactions between innovation networks and their environment. Agricultural Systems, 103(6), 390-400. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2010.03.012 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2010.03...
). |
F6. Resource mobilization
|
Developing the previous functions requires resource allocation. Different types of investments are required to develop innovation including, among others, capital for the funding of basic research, subsidies for further developing technologies and innovative market concepts, but also other forms of non-financial investment |
F7. Support from coalitions
|
The emerging of new technologies in the context of production, trade, and consumption systems often result in resistance from established actors. Advocacy coalitions can be a catalyst for this by influencing the innovation agenda and lobbying for resources and favorable institutions. |