How to fund learning and innovation networks for sustainable agriculture: a conceptual framework

ABSTRACT

Purpose

Learning and innovation networks for sustainable agriculture (LINSA) are considered drivers of innovation towards a more sustainable agri-food system. However, sustaining long-term funding remains a challenge for many networks. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive conceptualization of how funding relates to LINSA continuation and suggests a classification of relevant funding instruments.

Design/Methodology/Approach

Being purely conceptual, this paper combines perspectives of strategic management and nonprofit finance with empirical insights from innovation network literature to develop a conceptual framework on LINSA funding.

Findings

The conceptual framework suggests that thriving LINSA require both an appropriate funding mix, which corresponds with the benefits provided, and an anticipatory utilization of financial resources to build and maintain relevant intangible resources. The availability of funding instruments which incorporate these findings is crucial for successful LINSA.

Practical Implications

The conceptual framework provides guidance to practitioners and policy makers who reflect on appropriate strategies and instruments for LINSA funding.

Theoretical Implications

By integrating perspectives from different disciplines, namely the resource-based view and the benefits theory of nonprofit finance, this paper contributes to an increased understanding of funding in network organizations.

Originality/Value

This is the first paper to offer an explicit conceptualization of how funding relates to LINSA development. It also provides a classification of relevant funding instruments.

KEYWORDS:

• Learning and innovation network for sustainable agriculture
• financial resources
• nonprofit funding
• benefits theory
• resource-based view
• conceptual framework

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 While the focus of our paper is on LINSA funding, the classification criteria are rather generic and also apply to other network types.

2 We acknowledge that the distinction whether an actor is internal or external to a LINSA is not necessarily straightforward and depends, among others, on the degree of formalization of LINSA structure and membership. However, we decided to draw on this differentiation because it best reflects the main idea of the benefits theory. Moreover, we assume that it will be helpful for LINSA practitioners for reflection and strategic decision making.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme [grant agreement ID 773418].

Notes on contributors

Gerlinde Behrendt

Gerlinde Behrendt is a research associate at the unit ‘Policy and Markets in the Agro-Food Sector’ at Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development. She completed her undergraduate studies in Business Administration and holds a MSc in Agricultural Economics from Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany. Her research interests include the role of finance in moving towards more sustainable food systems as well as alternative and cooperative economies.

Susanne von Münchhausen

Dr Susanne von Münchhausen is a Senior Researcher and an agricultural economist with nearly 20 years of experience in EU and national-level research projects. Her work focuses on farm business strategies and agricultural policies in changing economic and policy environments. As a coordinator of the Horizon 2020 project LIAISON, she contributes to the enhancement of co-creation for innovation and the farmer-led development of sustainable solutions in the agri-food sector. She actively engages in a wide range of academic and practitioner networks, and in dissemination and outreach. Before working at HNEE, Susanne was a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Rural Development Research, IfLS Frankfurt, and a Senior Policy Analyst in the New Zealand Ministry for Agriculture.

Anna Maria Häring

Dr Anna Maria Häring is an agricultural economist, head of the unit ‘Policy and Markets in the Agro-Food Sector’ at Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE) and the ‘Innovation Forum Organic Farming Brandenburg’. Her work focuses on innovation policy and co-creation in the food and farming sector, supply-chain development and cooperation and coordination in rural-urban value-nets. She holds a Doctorate in Agricultural Economics from Hohenheim University, Germany and MSc in Agronomy from Ohio State University, USA. Before working at HNEE, Anna has worked as a senior researcher at Hohenheim University, and as visiting researcher at IFPRI and CIAT. Since 2014, Anna is a board member of the German Agricultural Research Alliance.