The Role of Territorially Embedded Innovation Ecosystems Accelerating Sustainability Transformations: A Case Study of the Transformation to Organic Wine Production in Tuscany (Italy)

Abstract

Over the last few years, there has been a growing concern among academics and practitioners about the slow pace in which sustainability transformations unfold. While most socio-technical transformations tend to happen over extended periods, research shows that unless some dramatic changes are introduced, we are risking damaging the critical earth systems that sustain human life. In this context, understanding why and how transformations happen at a much faster pace in certain places than in others is of crucial importance. This paper investigates the rapid transformation of Panzano, from traditional wine production to organically produced wine. Using a combination of document analysis, participant observation, and face to face interviews in Panzano in 2019, this article examines the role of the territorially embedded innovation ecosystems facilitating this fast transformation. The study looks at place based-structural preconditions and different forms of agency at different stages in the transformation. Our findings illustrate that a place-based agency is paramount for accelerating sustainability transformations.

Exploring Mission-Oriented Innovation Ecosystems for Sustainability: Towards a Literature-Based Typology

“…An excellent example for these ecosystems addressed by several of the eight underlying papers [e.g., 231; 232; 901; 1953] is the circular economy. This is because the Transition to a circular economy can be achieved through multiple protected spaces targeted-for example, at key circular economy growth markets such as renewable energy, biorefinery, remanufacturing, sustainable mobility and the sharing economy, to co-evolve, paving the way for smooth transition within a governance framework that is capable of mitigating tensions and conflicts that are likely to arise in the transition process [79] (p. 3) An alternative example could be the discourse around agricultural innovation ecosystems [72,92]. With view to these ecosystems' architectural set-up, it is notable that, while actors from science and industry are discussed in almost all papers, the role of governments and especially of civil society is less prominent.…”

“…With view to these ecosystems' architectural set-up, it is notable that, while actors from science and industry are discussed in almost all papers, the role of governments and especially of civil society is less prominent. Throughout the analyzed papers, the leading role of industry and science and the importance of the two sectors' collaboration is emphasized [92][93][94][95]. If considered relevant by these key actors, additional partners "beyond traditional value-chains" [93] (p. 11) may be included.…”

Technology Transfer for Social Entrepreneurship: Designing Problem-Oriented Innovation Ecosystems

“…We follow Granstrand and Holgersson [14], who define an innovation ecosystem as an evolving set of actors and relations aimed at fostering local innovation performances. According to Chaminade and Randelli [15], innovation ecosystems are "constructed relationally" [15] (p. 3), and the relations tend to occur among geographically close organizations. The key elements included in the abovementioned definition of an innovation ecosystem also have been considered by Ghazinoory et al [8] (p. 2), describing the concept of innovation systems as the "creation, dissemination and use of knowledge and technology through interaction of structural components such as organizations, firms, research centres, policymakers".…”

“…The concepts of innovation systems and ecosystems are sometimes used as synonyms [13]. Nonetheless, the ecosystemic perspective can be set apart because it explicitly considers the dynamic, complex and non-linear relations among the members and it has a meso-territorial focus, meaning geographic proximity plays a key role [15]. This is why this perspective appears suitable for studying the technological transformation of social entrepreneurial forms, as shown by [16,17].…”

Innovation Ecosystems: A Sustainability Perspective

“…Chaminade and Randelli, in their work. analyze the role of innovation ecosystems as a driver of wine industry transformation in the Panzano region [12]. Yordanova et al, in their work, analyze the role of a university in the development of technopreneurial intentions among Bulgarian STEM (STEM refers to any subjects that fall under the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) students [13].…”