93650 - Economics And Policy Of Innovation In Agriculture

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student possesses knowledge on: the economic effects of introducing innovative methods on farms; business strategic orientations, along with agricultural sustainability and development policies; policy tools for agricultural innovation and sustainability. The Graduate possesses the skills to: organize production factors and outline sustainability production guidelines, based on the technical-economic conditions of the territory and the market.

Course contents

1. Understanding innovation
   1. Definitions (product/process innovation, technological/organizational innovation)
   2. Economic theories of innovation (Schumpeter, Solow-Swan, economic growth theories)
   3. Innovation indicators and success rates
   4. Case studies
2. Innovation models and innovation ecosystems
   1. Linear and non-linear models of innovation: ‘technology push’ and ‘market pull’; technology and product lifecycle ‘S-curves’
   2. The agricultural innovation system perspective (Innovation eco-systems – AKIS; ‘Open innovation’, ‘innovation intermediaries’ and ‘Innovation Platforms’)
   3. The role of R&D activity
   4. Case studies
3. From innovation adoption to innovation management
   1. Economic theories of innovation adoption (‘Diffusion of Innovation’, ‘Technology Acceptance Model’),
   2. Main drivers and barriers of innovation adoption – focus on Smart agriculture
   3. Management theories for innovation (‘Resource Based View’, ‘Dynamic Capabilities’) and Business Model innovation
   4. Case studies
4. Policy of innovation in agriculture
   1. Mechanisation policy
   2. Input policy
   3. Price policy

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching material will be distributed by the teacher or retrieved online.

‘Technological innovation : an introduction’ by Schramm, Laurier L.

Berlin ; Boston : De Gruyter, [2018]

ISBN: 9783110429190 - 9783110438277

available at:

• https://sol.unibo.it/SebinaOpac/resource/technological-innovation-an-introduction/UBO6045666?tabDoc=tabloceb
• https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/unibo/detail.action?docID=5157324

Teaching methods

Front lectures, seminars, team-work and assignments

Assessment methods

Oral exam (3 questions, about 20 minutes)

Teaching tools

Computer, projector, internet connection, dashboard. All lessons are carried out with the support of slides

Office hours

See the website of Luca Mulazzani