Agritech Entrepreneurship, Innovation Intermediaries, and Sustainability Transitions: A Critical Analysis

Résumé 0

There is active debate about the role of venture capital and entrepreneurship in advancing sustainability in agrifood systems. Our contribution to this debate is to better understand the role of agritech innovation intermediaries – organizations that foster entrepreneurship by nurturing early-stage ventures. We present the case of Social Alpha, a “mission-oriented” agritech intermediary based in India, whose mission is to support innovations that improve small farmers’ incomes and sustainable development. Our analysis investigates tensions between the institutional requirements of finance and social problem solving. Our attention to how social impact is defined, pursued, measured and disciplined allows us to focus on this tension. Our analysis highlights opportunities and limitations attached to efforts to mobilize Silicon Valley-styled innovation ecosystems to advance sustainability.JEL Code: O13