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role of social sciences in adoption and diffusion of innovation. One area of increasing relevance is the paradigm of Open Innovation, addressed by Mathias L. Müller
and myself. Per-Ola Ulvenblad details the dynamics of a diverse array of Swedish
agribusiness models. Nick van der Velde and colleagues provide a refreshing
description of how innovation at the Base of the Pyramid is not a dream but is
already creating substantial value and positive impact in the livelihoods of people in
many developing countries. Agriculture plays a central role in agrifood systems, and
David Donnan provides a compelling narrative on the corporate perspective on food
production and distribution. Finally, Steve Sonka describes how big data already
touches almost every aspect of agriculture and how information technologies
encourage agricultural innovation and sustain increased productivities while reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint. At the inception of the book, I contribute
a current overview of innovation and discuss several factors increasing the likelihood of success of innovation efforts.
We trust that our collective framework helps you deliver value to your customers
while improving their quality of life, and because of that you can develop further
your personal and professional growth, and the organization you belong to achieves
its goals and objectives. We look forward to hearing about your innovation
endeavors!
Introduction