Actor networks for innovation in rural South Africa: the case of agro-processing enterprises in Mopani district

Abstract

Innovation processes in rural contexts occur in systems that are diverse, coupled with complex challenges. Dealing with complex systems requires an understanding of the social dynamics of actor networks and innovation. This study attempted to provide insights on the compositional dynamics of actor networks, and how they influence interactive learning and innovation among agro-processing enterprises in South Africa. The guiding research questions to help address the study objectives are: What are the structural characteristics of actor networks for innovation in rural contexts? What are the roles and functions of different actors within these networks? what kind of actors and linkages facilitate interactive learning and innovation among rural enterprises? And what types of institutions facilitate or hamper innovation processes in rural contexts? To answer the questions, exploratory research that adopted an egocentric social network analysis together with an evolving set of instruments developed by the Human Sciences Research Council, entitled the Rural Innovation Assessment Toolbox (RIAT) was undertaken. The theoretical basis for this study is grounded in systems of innovation, agricultural innovation systems and actor-network theory. The findings show that innovations in South African rural contexts are process oriented and largely incremental. Enterprises engage in adopting and improving available practices and ideas to solve problems and take advantage of commercial opportunities. This process involves the use of internal enterprise resources and external resources through networks. It is further revealed that actor networks are diverse and loose, characterised by inequalities and weak institutions. Network linkages with formal enterprises take the form of relational contracting and are often event-based. Enterprises opt for external and non-redundant purposely-built linkages that bring relevant resources and knowledge. The mechanisms that enterprises use for learning are informal ones, such as copying and imitating and formal ones, such as, project meetings. Formal institutions such as hygiene and food safety and informal institutions such as traditional authority are crucial for innovation in rural South African contexts. This study suggests that successful innovation interventions for social and economic development require innovation policies that incorporate social aspects of innovation in rural contexts. Thus, there is a need for shaping the innovation space and promoting the co-creation of innovations between local and external actors. The following theoretically and empirically-informed policy formulation pointers are listed: Recognise and promote innovation processes at enterprise level; create an innovation or network systems that embraces diversity and complexity of actors; Initiatives and incentives are needed by different actors at different levels of the innovation systems to interact as a way of promoting co-innovation and establishing effective local institutions to overcome red tapes in the formal systems of innovation