The Dutch agrifood sector is steadily internationalising. The fact that agricultural theory and the test environment are in close proximity to one another helps give Dutch agriculture a competitive edge. Internationalisation is making it increasingly difficult to maintain this edge. By way of alternative, knowledge management via international agrifood (knowledge) networks is becoming more important. To date there has been little if any scientific examination of these networks.
[What international network provides the best opportunity for innovation]?
First of all the project partners set up a database on international agrifood networks. They then analyse the types of networks found in the agrifood sector. Finally they examine how innovative the participating firms are, for example by establishing how many patents they possess. This generates an impression as to which network of organisations should ideally be built up in the interests of optimal innovation.
[Future research]:
This is the first large-scale empirical study into international agrifood networks. Data make it possible to analyse the extent, nature and speed of internationalisation of the agricultural sector. The database in turn provides a basis for new research, where possible facilitated by Transforum Agribusiness&Rural Areas. Examples of future research include in-depth studies into best practices, competition analyses, studies of intercountry and intersectoral differences and studies into optimal network positions. In addition the identification of the present network structures provides benchmarking opportunities and the ability to formulate guidelines for optimal network strategies. In this way businesses can benefit optimally from knowledge. The database is also of interest to the government, which uses it to target its policies more precisely and to identify new issues. Finally the insight obtained into international agrifood networks provides businesses with the opportunity to allocate their resources as effectively as possible from a sustainability perspective (especially as regards planet and profit). |
