Influence of network governance on innovation behavior of actors in Kiboga-Kyankwanzi innovation platform in Uganda

Abstract

A number of studies on Innovation Platforms (IPs) have addressed their formation and contribution to innovations. Very few studies if any have attempted to investigate the internal governance dynamics as antecedents for influencing the innovation behavior of actors. This study attempted to investigate how structures, relations and internal social mechanisms influence the level of generation and implementation of new ideas within the platforms. Data were collected from Kiboga-Kyankwanzi maize innovation platform in central Uganda using 319 semi-structured interviews with farmers, 6 in-depth interviews and 2 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists to generate structural equation models. Med graphs were used for mediation analyses. Qualitative data from FGDs and in-depth interview was analyzed using line-by-line coding.

Using network governance theory, results of this study have demonstrated that structures that the number of actor connections made by an IP member and position of influence relative to others, and the extent to which actors interact with other actors are important in influencing innovation behaviors of actors in an innovation network because of positive significant correlations that were found. Results further showed that social mechanisms such as restrictions on access to platform policy arena, reputation and macro cultures were positively correlated with innovation behavior. However, collective sanctions showed a negative correlation with innovation behavior implying that as rules become more stringent in the network, some actors withdraw from innovative activities. Structural equation models and med graphs showed that the relationship between actor embeddedness and social mechanisms is mediated by adaptation and safeguard of exchanges.

The study recommends increased actor inter-connections in terms of duration and frequency of interactions. There is also a need to continually seek for new processes, markets, inputs and take to advantage of new opportunities in platform operating environment due to their role in adaptation to the IP and safeguard markets, inputs and agricultural information which are the key reasons upon which the IPs are anchored. Because of their role, there is need for a policy and funding framework to promote innovation platforms for improving the crop value chains for the crops of focus.