What does it take to direct innovation?

The definition of knowledge in agrifood systems is increasingly being reinvented to encompass both the commons and the commodity. This new perspective can assist in correcting the discrepancies that exist between local or experiential knowledge and formal science, thereby supporting the development of innovation processes that are more equitable, democratic, and effective.

The use of examples such as natural farming transitions in India and community-led food initiatives in Peru illustrates how aligning community action, local knowledge, and public policies to achieve common goals results in the development of solutions that are more contextualized and inclusive.

In order to successfully scale these types of approaches, there is a need for sustained leadership from the public sector, long-term investments, and improved collaboration between institutions and levels of governance (local to global). The way in which we design and evaluate innovation processes also needs to change from one where the focus is on the delivery of pre-determined solutions toward enabling systemic transformations.

The final piece of the puzzle is not only how to increase the volume of innovation, but more importantly, how to ensure that the innovations produced are purpose-driven, inclusive of all social strata, and oriented toward the public good.

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