An analysis of power dynamics within innovation platforms for natural resource management

Innovation systems thinking is increasingly influencing approaches to sustainable agricultural development in developing world contexts. This represents a shift away from technology transfer towards recognition that agricultural change entails complex interactions among multiple actors and a range o...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores principales: Cullen, Beth, Tucker, Josephine, Snyder, Katherine A., Lema, Zelalem, Duncan, Alan J.
Formato: Journal Article
Lenguaje:Inglés
Publicado: Informa UK Limited 2014
Materias:
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/41671
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author Cullen, Beth
Tucker, Josephine
Snyder, Katherine A.
Lema, Zelalem
Duncan, Alan J.
author_browse Cullen, Beth
Duncan, Alan J.
Lema, Zelalem
Snyder, Katherine A.
Tucker, Josephine
author_facet Cullen, Beth
Tucker, Josephine
Snyder, Katherine A.
Lema, Zelalem
Duncan, Alan J.
author_sort Cullen, Beth
collection Repository of Agricultural Research Outputs (CGSpace)
description Innovation systems thinking is increasingly influencing approaches to sustainable agricultural development in developing world contexts. This represents a shift away from technology transfer towards recognition that agricultural change entails complex interactions among multiple actors and a range of technical, social and institutional factors. One option for practically applying innovation systems thinking involves the establishment of innovation platforms (IPs). Such platforms are designed to bring together a variety of different stakeholders to exchange knowledge and resources and take action to solve common problems. Yet relatively little is known about how IPs operate in practice, particularly how power dynamics influence platform processes. This paper focuses on a research-for-development project in the Ethiopian highlands which established three IPs for improved natural resource management. The ‘power cube’ is used to retrospectively analyse the spaces, forms and levels of power within these platforms and the impact on platform processes and resulting interventions. The overall aim is to highlight the importance of power issues in order to better assess the strengths and limitations of IPs as a model for inclusive innovation. Findings suggest that while IPs may achieve some short-term success in creating spaces for wider participation in decision-making processes, they may be significantly influenced by forms of power which may not always be visible or easily challenged.
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spelling CGSpace416712024-04-25T06:01:00Z An analysis of power dynamics within innovation platforms for natural resource management Cullen, Beth Tucker, Josephine Snyder, Katherine A. Lema, Zelalem Duncan, Alan J. innovation natural resources resource management Innovation systems thinking is increasingly influencing approaches to sustainable agricultural development in developing world contexts. This represents a shift away from technology transfer towards recognition that agricultural change entails complex interactions among multiple actors and a range of technical, social and institutional factors. One option for practically applying innovation systems thinking involves the establishment of innovation platforms (IPs). Such platforms are designed to bring together a variety of different stakeholders to exchange knowledge and resources and take action to solve common problems. Yet relatively little is known about how IPs operate in practice, particularly how power dynamics influence platform processes. This paper focuses on a research-for-development project in the Ethiopian highlands which established three IPs for improved natural resource management. The ‘power cube’ is used to retrospectively analyse the spaces, forms and levels of power within these platforms and the impact on platform processes and resulting interventions. The overall aim is to highlight the importance of power issues in order to better assess the strengths and limitations of IPs as a model for inclusive innovation. Findings suggest that while IPs may achieve some short-term success in creating spaces for wider participation in decision-making processes, they may be significantly influenced by forms of power which may not always be visible or easily challenged. 2014-07-03 2014-07-02T08:23:07Z 2014-07-02T08:23:07Z Journal Article https://hdl.handle.net/10568/41671 en Open Access Informa UK Limited Cullen, B., Tucker, J., Snyder, K., Lema, Z. and Duncan, A.J. 2014. An analysis of power dynamics within innovation platforms for natural resource management. Innovation and Development 4(2):259-275.
spellingShingle innovation
natural resources
resource management
Cullen, Beth
Tucker, Josephine
Snyder, Katherine A.
Lema, Zelalem
Duncan, Alan J.
An analysis of power dynamics within innovation platforms for natural resource management
title An analysis of power dynamics within innovation platforms for natural resource management
title_full An analysis of power dynamics within innovation platforms for natural resource management
title_fullStr An analysis of power dynamics within innovation platforms for natural resource management
title_full_unstemmed An analysis of power dynamics within innovation platforms for natural resource management
title_short An analysis of power dynamics within innovation platforms for natural resource management
title_sort analysis of power dynamics within innovation platforms for natural resource management
topic innovation
natural resources
resource management
url https://hdl.handle.net/10568/41671
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