Agricultural Innovation Systems: An Investment Sourcebook

Consensus is developing about what is meant by “innovation” and “innovation system”. The agricultural innovation system (AIS) approach has evolved from a concept into an entire subdiscipline, with principles of analysis and action; yet no detailed blueprint exists for making agricultural innovation happen at a given time, in a given place, for a given result. This sourcebook draws on the emerging principles of AIS analysis and action to help to identify, design, and implement the investments, approaches, and complementary interventions that appear most likely to strengthen innovation systems and promote agricultural innovation and equitable growth. This overview begins with a discussion of why innovation is vital to agricultural development, how innovation occurs, and why complementary investments are needed to develop the capacity and enabling environment for agricultural innovation. It concludes with details on the sourcebook’s structure, a summary of the themes covered in each module, and a discussion of the cross-cutting themes treated throughout the sourcebook (excerpt from Sourcebook overview and user guide).