Abstract
This paper takes a multiple theoretical perspective, utilising concepts from the knowledge exchange and the rural, social networks literatures to explore artisan food enterprise engagement with institutional networks for innovation. A qualitative methodology is adopted, involving semi-structured interviews and group discussions with producers and institutional actors, and participant observation. The findings highlight that while informal networks, including business networks, family associations and international sources play a more important role in innovation for artisan food firms than institutional networks, institutional networks play a critical role in developing social capital and knowledge exchange among producers and in acting as a bridge to informal, embedded networks for these enterprises. The findings demonstrate how sectoral contextual factors shape interactions in the institutional actor-producer relationship, and how they impact upon involvement in institutional networks and in turn facilitate and restrict innovation in this context.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 41-52 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Rural Studies |
Volume | 48 |
Early online date | 28 Sept 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published (in print/issue) - 31 Dec 2016 |
Keywords
- artisan
- agri-food
- rural
- knowledge exchange
- social capital
- institutional.
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Barry Quinn
- Dept of Mgmt, Leadership & Marketing - Professor of Retail Marketing
- Ulster University Business School - Full Professor
Person: Academic