The role of agricultural r&d in the agricultural innovation system framework

The role of agricultural r&d in the agricultural innovation system framework

Ponniah Anandajayasekeram

Outline

1. Introduction2. Evolution of AIS Framework3. Agricultural Innovation Systems Perspective

Innovation Innovation Systems Innovation Systems Perspective

4. Concepts of Open Innovation, Innovation Intermediaries, Innovation Platforms

5. Role of ‘R’ in the Innovation Process6. Value Chain Analysis and IS Framework7. Current Status8. Implications and Challenges9. Conclusions

Evolution of Systems Thinking and its Application in Agriculture

What is Innovation?

Anything new introduced into an economic or social process

Invention is a solution to a problem Innovation deals with commercialization

and actual use of invention Innovations can be technological,

managerial, organizational, institutional and service delivery

Research converts money in to knowledge and innovation converts knowledge in to

money

What is an Innovation System (IS)? IS can have four elements:

1. Actors – organizations and individuals2. Actions and interactions3. Interactive learning4. Institutions

IS can be defined at the national, sectoral, commodity, and proposed intervention level

Agricultural Innovation System

Innovation Systems Perspective Using innovation lens in the design,

implementation and evaluation The ultimate goal of the actors is

innovation Important to distinguish between

organizations and institutions Partnerships and networks are central

Role of ‘R’ in Innovation

Role of ‘R’ in the Innovation Process For innovation to occur research/knowledge is fundamental All functions need to be performed, but who performs them and

how is not pre-determined Adequate investments should be made to support all actors and

activities Innovation takes place through combination of different types

of information and not exclusively by formal R To contribute to development R should be embedded in the

entrepreneurial, political and policy processes – embedded in the development context

‘Knowledge frontier R’ remains important All types of ‘R’ are still relevant but development oriented ‘R’ is

well placed to contribute to innovation and socioeconomic impact

Important: Understanding of the users’ needs and the translation of that knowledge in to action across all functional areas

Where are we? IS Framework and Ag R&D in SSA Organizational landscape is complex, dynamic and rich

Range of actors – predominant role by public ‘R’ organizations (81% of the R capacity, 60% of investment)

Ministry of Agriculture is primarily responsible for R In 28 out of 31 countries, crop and livestock R under one

Ministry University staff spend considerable amount of time in R , under

different Ministry SROs and continental bodies are contributing to R&D in many

ways; including priority setting and influencing national policies Private sector involvement very limited but on the increase;

policy environment is week or non-existent Extension systems are undergoing serious transformation and

restructuring-Pluralistic extension system 8 out of the 31 countries met the target investment and

average research intensity is 0.61% Role of FOs,NGOs,CBOs are increasing

Where are we?

Research approach, process and linkages Prescriptive top down Participatory approaches Currently influenced by VCA, IAR4D, ISP Appropriate recommendations but not innovation Current status of linkages and collaboration far from

ideal Activities related to AIS in the region

Major studies concluded that technological development should be embedded in broader development and IS concept

SROs have embraced ISP and integrated into projects IARCs and influential donors are supporting projects In many countries ISP is identified as one of the

organizing principles of R

Lessons from Past Experience Institutionalization is an evolutionary process. There is no

single model. A number of pre-conditions need to be met Process involves two phases – preparatory and

institutionalization Process was weak in providing policy feedback Resource imbalance R, E, Education affected effectiveness

and linkages Possible to integrate the concepts and principles with

educational and learning institutes-Capacity to build capacity. Commodity-oriented ‘R’ programs are conducive for systems-

oriented ‘R’ Key factor for success: collaboration and long term

commitment by NARIs, IARCs and donors; Comprehensive CS Key obstacle: not penalized for producing technology that are

not adopted, or rewarded for ‘R’ with higher adoption rate

Lessons from Past Experience Preconditions for successful

institutionalization: Clear demonstration of utility of the process; Policy and leadership commitment; Broader participation and effective linkages; Experienced, trained, motivated and

committed staff; A clear organizational strategy (internally

driven) for institutionalization; and A national capacity to offer continuous training

on the concept, principles and procedures, i.e. integration into the learning curricula.

Lessons from past experience Top 10 Killers of Innovation (Wycoff, 2004):

Not creating a culture that supports innovation Not getting buy-in and ownership from unit

managers Not having widely understood, system-wide process Not allocating resources to the process Not tying projects to organizational strategy Not spending enough time and energy on the fuzzy

front-end Not building sufficient diversity into the process Not developing criteria and metrics in advance Not training and coaching innovation teams Not having an idea management system

Challenges

Changing the organizational culture – innovation as a core value and to institutionalize the emerging paradigms

Creating the necessary capacity for innovation How to scale up innovations and the capacity to

innovate Creating the necessary environment and reward

system; investment needed to foster partnership Limited empirical evidence of the application of AIS its

utility and value addition How to ensure attention is given to socioeconomic

equity and environmental sustainability; addressing poverty and pro-poor innovations

How to develop a coherent set of policies that foster innovation

Conclusion Innovation an essential ingredient for successful R&D AR4D; VCA; ISP – complementary possible to integrate into R&D

processes No uniquely best system for all situations; goal is to find the most

appropriate system (best – fit) Does not undermine the value of research; good communication

or effective extension – different functions are critical Investment is needed to support all components Role of “institutions” is vital, partnerships and network are the

cornerstones Building necessary capacity; nurturing and managing a productive

and sustainable mechanism and modalities of operation is an evolutionary process, and requires long term commitment and investment by all actors.

Need to have a very pragmatic approach

Thank You