Diffusion of Social Innovation: the Innovation Provider’s Perspective

Abstract

Social innovation (SI) is a potential solution to various problems and challenges in the agriculture sector. Agri-tech start-ups can be considered important agents for developing SI in the sector. In Indonesia, agri-tech start-ups are also expected to develop SI for sustainable agricultural development in the medium-term national development plan 2020–2024. Using multiple case studies, this paper attempts to complement the currently available literature and deepen the knowledge regarding the differences between SI and traditional innovation. This research also discusses the role of business organizations, represented by agri-tech start-ups, in developing SI, by observing the diffusion model and innovation-decision process. This research identifies characteristics of SI theoretically complemented with empirical description. Three models of diffusion leading to different types of innovation-decision processes and communication channels are identified. Several internal and external factors are influencing the diffusion process. In the process, the start-ups also hold bridging roles that vary according to company characteristics. Practical implications regarding successful SI development are provided.

Social innovation as a game changer in agriculture: A literature review

“…The outcomes indicated the essential role played by SI to transition to sustainable system in agriculture (Prihadyanti et al, 2023). SI can take different formats as organizational arrangements such as community supported agriculture (Sanyé-Mengual et al, 2020), food banking (Elmes et al, 2016).…”

“…The SI is also discussed from the perspective of adopting new digital technological solutions to support farm workers and to engage communities (Prihadyanti et al, 2023). There are also new topics raised from the literature review as the combination of SI with entrepreneurship, and social innovation ecosystem (Jia & Desa, 2020;Prihadyanti et al, 2023). In addition, SI is discussed from justice perspective, which is close related to social inclusion and vulnerable groups in society (Elmes et al, 2016) and SDG16.…”

“…Social innovation (SI) has become a crucial point in discussions about the connection between agriculture and sustainability. The transition to food systems requires complex and far-reaching changes, with SI playing an important role through new products, processes, and organizational arrangements (Ballamingie et al, 2020;Borsotto et al, 2019;Dalla Torre et al, 2020;El Bilali, 2018;Prihadyanti et al, 2023;Sanyé-Mengual et al, 2020). The SI combined with agriculture has also gained traction during COVID-19 pandemic and revealed the fragility of global food supply chains (Cattivelli & Rusciano, 2020;Zoll et al, 2021).…”