Effects of Multi-stakeholder Platforms (MSP) on Innovation Networks and Implications for Research for Development (R4D) in Agriculture

Multi-stakeholder (MS) platforms, such as innovation platforms (IP), public-private partnerships (PPP) are becoming more common but what they can achieve in innovation and scaling is limited and depends on different factors. This poster and the broader research paper provide evidence what MS platforms can and cannot achieve in their early phases and give insights about effectiveness and efficiency of Agricultural Research for Development (AR4D) interventions such as CGIAR research programs (CRPs) in low and middle income countries. Through social network analysis and logistic modeling of the multi-stakeholder innovation networks, o not necessarily create larger and denser collaboration in innovation networks it show that multi-stakeholder Platforms 1. might lead to centralization of collaboration, decrease the chances of farmers and stakeholders in local levels to continue collaboration 2 . can create larger and denser knowledge networks if the initial knowledge network do not include competing innovations. Knowledge exchange in innovation networks might decrease when there is a group of stakeholders supporting other innovations. It argues that AR4D interventions with platforms can improve their effectiveness and efficiency through 1. investigation of initial network configurations in innovation networks 2. prioritizing key functional gaps hindering innovation and scaling 3. using organization and event based financial incentives