1. Locating research in agricultural innovation trajectories: Evidence and implications from empirical cases from South Asia TS Vamsidhar Reddy, Andy Hall, Rasheed Sulaiman Globelics International Conference – 2012 Zhejiang Narada Grand Hotel, Hangzhou, China

2. Layout of the presentation Background Methodology Analytical framework The Cases Discussion Conclusions

3. Background How agricultural research can best be utilized for developmental purposes Transfer of ideas from researchers to farmers has been discredited Agricultural innovation – different forms based on circumstances and history – different opportunities and challenges

4. Methodology Case study Several visits and meetings with key informants over two years Project reports and published literature Triangulation

5. Analytical framework Two analytical principles: ◦ Locating research in the configuration of organizations ◦ Locating research in different points in the innovation trajectory

6. The Cases Application of PMCA in Nepal Application of decentralized fish seed production in Bangladesh Promotion of under-used crops through a multi-pronged approach in India

7. Discussion Knowledge products need adaptation to local contexts. This involves a range of partners, going beyond field-level implementers transferring technology. Institutional adaptation (such as new marketing arrangements) may also be needed to help integrate these knowledge products.

8. Discussion continued Adaptation of knowledge products involves combining ideas with other sources of knowledge from other streams of research. Non-linearity of stages of innovation means that research can be important at any stage of the innovation trajectory. Knowledge use only takes place within enabling social architectures. Embedding research in these architectures improves its relevance and impact.

9. Conclusions A two-stage process of knowledge generation and its application does not exist in practice Developing networks of relevant actors is a necessary pre-condition for putting research into use. The ‘pivotal agencies’ with pro-poor agendas steer innovation in pro-poor ways – need to nurture

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