Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Innovation and digitalization are essential elements of sustainable agri-food development. New innovative solutions are needed to increase production efficiency, reduce environmental pressures, adapt production quality to consumer needs, and ensure the farms’ viability in changing socio-economic, climatic, and ecological environmental aspects. In addition, knowledge has become a leading production factor in the information age. The modernization of the agri-food sector needs the promotion of knowledge creation and knowledge exchange to support decision-making, problem-solving and innovation in agriculture.

The aim of the Special Issue is to understand the concepts, methods and features of agricultural knowledge and innovation systems, agricultural communication networks, explore the role of innovation in sustainable development, and farmers’ attitudes towards these innovations. The topics in focus also include the role of education, digitalisation and e-infrastructures in knowledge exchange and social innovation, with particular attention to good practices. Results are expected to support effective agri-food policies and strategies.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Mapping and analyzing the agricultural innovation and digitalization (eco)systems
• Co-creation of knowledge and innovations
• The role of knowledge transfer services (advisors, education, training, etc.) in innovation
• Behavior of producers related to innovation (adoption, creation, etc.)
• Measuring and assessing innovation efficiency and effectiveness
• Monitoring and evaluation of agricultural innovation policies
• Analyzing potential drivers and barriers of agricultural innovations
• Digitalisation and innovation
• Experiences, case studies and good practices in agricultural innovation.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Márta Gaál
Dr. Csaba Bálint
Dr. Pál Goda
Guest Editors

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