Journal of
Agricultural Extension and Rural Development

  • Abbreviation: J. Agric. Ext. Rural Dev
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2170
  • DOI: 10.5897/JAERD
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 488

Review

Understanding actor innovation behavior: The application of network governance theory in agricultural innovation platforms

Willy Turyahikayo
  • Willy Turyahikayo
  • Department of Economics, Makerere University Business School, Kampala, Uganda.
  • Google Scholar
Frank B. Matsiko
  • Frank B. Matsiko
  • Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
  • Google Scholar
John J. Okiror
  • John J. Okiror
  • Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
  • Google Scholar
Moses Buregyeya
  • Moses Buregyeya
  • Specialist National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO), Uganda.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 12 May 2017
  •  Accepted: 03 August 2017
  •  Published: 30 November 2017

Abstract

Innovation platforms are increasingly being used as a means of operationalizing innovation systems thinking. Agricultural innovation platforms are intended to bring together a number of stakeholders to promote an identified agricultural innovation. This is done through exchange of knowledge and other valuable resources to solve common problems. However, given the relatively new nature of innovation platforms, there is still limited conceptual knowledge on the mechanism within the platforms that leads to the implementation of innovations by different stakeholders who often have conflicting interests. This conceptual paper intended to review and unearth the intermediate processes that influence the actor innovation behavior by using the network governance theory. The review shows that the generation and implementation of ideas in an innovation platform is a process that involves structural, relational and social mechanisms. This review provides a foundation for future empirical studies in innovation platforms and particularly how they influence actor innovation behavior.

Key words: Innovation platform, innovation behavior, network governance, agricultural innovation platforms.