Innovation and the Diffusion of Technology in Agriculture in Floodplains in the State of Amazonas

Abstract There is a vast literature on innovation and diffusion of technology in Agribusiness. The dominant explanation of dissemination of innovations emphasizes processes involving information flows through a social system. Research questions on innovation and diffusion of technology transcend conventional disciplinary boundaries. This article’s objective is to investigate innovation and diffusion of technology in the context of agriculture in floodplains in provincial Amazonas, Brazil. A set of propositions were defined, focusing on factors that impact on the conceptualization of the process of innovation and diffusion. A qualitative research approach was employed, based on semi-structured interviews. In this study, the analytical stages of the mental process of diffusion do not determine adoption of innovation. The results suggest that the supply-side competitive environment, in conjunction with the influence of agribusiness, technical support, a development-oriented political agenda, university projects, and practices in the field can facilitate diffusion of technologies. This paper seeks to extend the current paradigm of understanding of innovations and diffusion, incorporating factors that apply in a specific agricultural context, suggesting elements that, if stimulated, can be communicated and assimilated within a social system.

摘要：现有关于农业综合企业（agribusiness）领域技术创新与扩散的研究文献极为丰厚。当前关于创新扩散的主流解释范式，着重强调扩散过程依托社会系统内的信息流动。有关技术创新与扩散的研究议题，早已超越传统学科的边界。本文旨在以巴西亚马孙州洪泛平原地区的农业场景为依托，探讨技术创新与扩散相关问题。本研究设定了一系列命题，聚焦于影响创新扩散过程概念化的各类因素。研究采用质性研究方法，基于半结构化访谈开展。本研究发现，扩散的心智分析阶段并未决定创新的采纳行为。结果表明，供给端竞争环境结合农业综合企业的影响力、技术支持、以发展为导向的政治议程、高校科研项目以及田间实践，均可推动技术扩散。本文力图拓展当前关于创新与扩散的认知范式，纳入特定农业场景下的影响因素，并提出若对相关要素加以激励，即可在社会系统中实现技术的传播与吸收。