Local public-private partnerships to promote innovation in agricultural value chains: the case of cocoa in Colombia.

Alianzas público-privadas locales para promover la innovación en cadenas de valor agrícolas: el caso del cacao en Colombia. (Spanish)

The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of developing more viable local public-private partnerships (LPPP) which may result in innovation in the cocoa value chain, through the agricultural innovation system functions approach. Research was conducted in two rural municipalities in the Department of Antioquia, Colombia. A focus group with stakeholders as well as directed surveys were implemented. 15 experts in the municipality of Necoclí, and 18 experts in the municipality of Caucasia participated. The data were analyzed quantitatively and the MACTOR method was used in order to determine the relationship between actors and the strategic objectives for innovation. Case studies revealed different dynamics, both from the perspective of the interests at play when actors prioritized key variables in each region, as well as their vision regarding strategic objectives to promote innovation in the cocoa value chain. Different degrees of convergence and correspondence between actors and strategic objectives in each region provided the grounds to determine the possible partnerships in the cocoa chain. Key actors with different capabilities and resources were also identified, as they could contribute to leveraging local innovation should a partnership come to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El propósito de este estudio es explorar Alianzas Público-Privadas Locales (APPL) más factibles, que permitan promover la innovación en la cadena de valor de cacao, a partir del enfoque de funciones del sistema de innovación agrícola. La investigación fue realizada en dos municipios rurales localizados en el Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia, haciendo en cada uno un grupo focal con diversos actores seleccionados, donde participaron 15 expertos en el Municipio de Necoclí y 18 expertos en el municipio de Caucasia. Los datos fueron analizados cuantitativamente y mediante el software MACTOR para determinar la relación entre actores y objetivos estratégicos para la innovación. Los estudios de caso revelaron diferentes dinámicas, tanto desde los intereses de los actores en la priorización de variables clave en cada territorio, como en su visión con respecto a los objetivos estratégicos para fomentar la innovación local en la cadena de cacao. Los diferentes grados de convergencias y correspondencias, entre actores y objetivos estratégicos en cada territorio, permitieron determinar las posibles alianzas (APPL) en la cadena de cacao. Para ello también se identificaron actores clave, los cuales cuentan con diferentes capacidades y recursos que, en el marco de una alianza, podrían contribuir a aprovechar la innovación local. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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