Market Formation and the Role of the Farmer in a Micro-level Agri-food Innovation System

Abstract

The aim is to investigate the dynamics and driving forces within a micro-level agri-food innovation system, focusing on market formation and the role of the farmer. We applied a qualitative case study approach to the introduction of sweet potato cultivation to Sweden, using the technological innovation systems approach as the analytical tool. The findings highlight the role of farmers as entrepreneurs, and market formation as a driver for the innovation system. Policy implications include that innovation policy instruments need to become more long-term, oriented towards both production development and pre-market formation, and facilitate new arenas for actors’ joint problem-solving.