Outcome-oriented multi-stakeholder network design: four innovation spaces to accelerate food system transformation

Authors

Abstract

Multi-stakeholder networks fulfil crucial functions for transforming our food systems in the face of climate change, but there is scant research on how the form of these networks is connected to particular aims. Based on interviews with leaders or founders of 15 multi-stakeholder networks, we build a framework on outcome-oriented network design: We identify four different network designs, which emerge from a framework of ten design variables, each with different characteristics. We coin these network designs ?innovation spaces? and observe the main challenges and trade-offs among and between different sets of design variables. These, as well as the networks? main trajectories over time, lead us to introduce a simple innovation space grid model along the axes of structure and permeability. Each space accommodates a different type of stakeholder interaction which leads to the desired change dynamics and network goals. The concept of innovation spaces provides a differentiated view with regard to how multi-stakeholder networks innovate and learn. We also identify a space for an as yet neglected group, self-organized social movements. The innovation spaces concept can cater for long-term as well as short-term multi-stakeholder initiatives, and reflections on inclusivity and addressing power inequalities. It can help designers and leaders of new and existing networks to take improved decisions on how networks could complement their respective innovation processes, thus accelerating food system transformation.

 

Author Biographies

Jana Koerner, The Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT

Jana Koerner is Global Innovation Manager in the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), and senior member of the CGIAR-GIZ Task Force on Scaling, a group of CIM-Integrated Scaling Experts that are placed in International Agricultural Research Organizations by the Fund International Agricultural Research (FIA), a programme of the German Corporation for International Cooperation GmbH (GIZ ) on behalf of the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Philip Thornton, International Livestock Institute (ILRI)

Philip Thornton is a Flagship Leader in the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) and Honorary Professor in the School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh. He has over thirty-five years? experience in agricultural research for development. He has contributed to several global assessments of agriculture and food systems, including WG2 of the IPCC?s Sixth Assessment Report.

Laurens Klerkx

Laurens Klerkx is Full Professor of Agrifood Innovation and Transition at the Knowledge, Technology and Innovation Group of Wageningen University, the Netherlands. His work advances the innovation and research agenda of academia, international policy organizations (e.g. the World Bank, the EC, FAO, OECD, UNCTAD) and practitioners, with more than 120 peer-reviewed publications, as editorial member for a number of scientific journals on agriculture and sustainable development, and advising international research and innovation projects, programs, panels and associations.  

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2022-09-06

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