Scenarios to promote territorial innovation systems in agri-food value chains: case of cocoa in Colombia

ABSTRACT

Purpose

The aim of the research was to propose probable scenarios for the year 2030 for the cocoa value chain in the department of Antioquia (Colombia), based on functional approach to analysing territorial innovation systems (TIS).

Methodology

TIS in the cocoa value chain was analysed by comparing two rural municipalities as case studies, where different actors respectively participated. Prospective analysis approach, Delphi method, MICMAC program and morphological analysis were combined for the construction of scenarios.

Findings

Case study comparison indicates that analysis at the territorial level is an appropriate perspective to identify key aspects of the TIS functions that lead to different scenarios for promoting local innovation in agri-food value chains. The results provide specific scenarios including short-, medium- and long-term strategies for the promotion of territorial innovation systems.

Practical implications

This approach has the potential for multiple heterogeneous TIS actors to explore different innovation pathways and prospective scenarios that contribute to action planning to reduce uncertainty and promote innovation in TIS.

Theoretical implications

This study contributes with a new way of approaching the functions of TIS, where dynamics that occur in the local geography are highlighted. Also based on the prospective analysis, scenarios are configured that arise from a set of aspects analysed by local and external actors of the territories.

Originality/value

The study generates important knowledge about TIS and the functional approach regarding the design of prospective scenarios to promote innovation in agri-food value chains.

KEYWORDS:

• Scenarios
• agri-food value chain
• innovation system
• territory
• functional approach
• prospective analysis

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge all the stakeholders of cacao chain in territories, without whom this paper would not have been possible

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carlos Julian Ramírez-Gómez

Dr Carlos Julian Ramírez-Gómez has a PhD in Management and Organizations, he works at Rural Development Department in Caldas University. His research focus is in rural innovation dynamics and agribusiness.

James A. Turner

Dr James A. Turner has 20 years research experience in the New Zealand forestry and agricultural sectors. After his PhD in forest economics James moved into research on land use change and wood product markets, and how these are influenced by policies such as non-tariff barriers and carbon markets. In 2010 James joined AgResearch to undertake research on innovation in the NZ primary sector.