Intertwining innovation and business networks for sustainable agricultural system

Abstract

Increasing concerns about climate change and sustainability have been a major challenge for corporations and governments, translating into initiatives to help reduce the environmental impact of economic activities. Innovation networks involving several actors have promoted the adoption of sustainable practices in a deliberate and concerted manner. From a network perspective, initiatives promoted by an innovation network must be incorporated into the existing business network. This study aims to understand how and to what extent innovation and business networks are intertwined to foster sustainable practices in agricultural systems. Therefore, a study of the Carbon Neutral Beef initiative was conducted, which resulted in the development and adoption of standards that ensure carbon balance by integrating livestock and forest production systems. This study supports the notion that the viability of initiatives promoted by an innovation network depends on its overlap with the existing business network. Additionally, the intertwining process may differ in the degree to which it is controlled, thus influencing the exploration and dissemination of integrated practices involving livestock and forest production systems.