Project details

The IN-SIGHT project will contribute to an improved knowledge of innovation systems and processes. Emphasis throughout the project is on gaining a better understanding of linkages in research-practice innovation chains and networks. A guiding idea is to contrast the concept of linear relationships in technology transfer with a more systemic view of innovation networks. In this respect relevant societal and agricultural (knowledge) system changes and alterations in socio-technical networks are explicitly considered. Project goals that are directly linked with that are an identification of weaknesses and factors that lead to failure in present innovation systems and processes as well as the identification of best practice examples. Effective innovation networks and success factors will be identified in a series of case studies and documented. Recommendations will be derived that are directly relevant for European and member states level research programmes, measures in support of innovation and rural development policy.

The direct involvement of relevant institutions and stakeholders in the research process is a key feature of the IN-SIGHT project. Throughout implementation a close cooperation with practitioners from relevant institutions and stakeholders will be ensured. This is implemented through a series of consultations that are directly combined with three in-depth reviews for particular innovation fields. These reviews will focus on

• innovations in agriculture with a particular focus on product and marketing innovations,
• innovations in environmental technologies with a particular focus on non-food production, bioenergy and water saving technologies, and
• innovations in rural development with a particular focus on innovations in new rural services and a better use of information and communication technologies in rural areas.

The project is coordinated by the Institute for Rural Development

Project partners are: Swiss Centre for Agricultural and Rural Development, Lausanne (CH); University of Pisa, Dipartimento di agronomia e gestione dell’agroecosistema/Sezione di economia agraria e ambientale (I); Baltic Studies Centre, Riga (LV); Wageningen University, Communication Science (NL); Institut de l’Elevage, Paris (F); Ruralia Institute, University of Helsinki (FIN).