This paper discusses how network theory and social capital can help explain different patterns of inclusion of small and medium sized producers in agri-food clusters. We make the argument that despite the centralized nature of practices, the manner in which inclusion takes place can vary significantly depending on structural features of local networks and governance factors, especially social capital and the role of lead organisations. Social network analysis allows us to investigate how different patterns of bonding, bridging and centrality of key actors in agricultural clusters can influence diffusion of knowledge. We frame this discussion through a typology that allows us to identify diverse scenarios of inclusion of small producers. This is then used to guide an empirical analysis of two agri-food clusters of small producers in Peru (mango) and Colombia (palm oil). Judicious use of mixed methods and the typology can prove useful to explain diverse patterns of inclusion which have important implications for small-scale agricultural producers.

Increasing attention has begun to focus on the important role organisations undertaking intermediary functions can play in supporting emerging clusters of small producers. In contrast to most studies of intermediaries that focus on governance and filling information gaps, in this paper we examine how the organisational skills of intermediaries evolve as firms in the cluster assume a broader range of practices. Through a purpose-built typology and a detailed case study, the argument is made that intermediaries act not only to facilitate the diffusion of knowledge, but that their scope of activities, extending into coordinating joint actions and new investment initiatives, places them at the centre of the network of organisations. This growing influence of intermediaries has implications for producer firms, especially in aspects such as inclusion of smaller producers and nework formation.Key words: Intermediary, Cluster, Agriculture, Natural Resource IntroductionPolicy makers in developing countries have been increasingly attracted to the new opportunities that have opened up for the upgrading of producer capabilities in some hitherto underdeveloped clusters (Gomes 2006;McCormick 1999). This has arisen principally as a consequence of the growing demand in industrial economies for natural resource-based commodities. Significantly, the labour intensive nature of production in some of these areas means that cluster growth is seen not only as means to improve the national balance of payments, but also a way to generate employment and improve the livelihoods of poorer farmers (Schmitz and Nadvi, 1999). Yet, it is also clear that the consolidation of these emerging clusters in export markets has been highly uneven across regions and sectors. Fragmented land ownership, poor communication infrastructure, unstable prices and above all the absence of lead producers with the resources to invest in new practices and technology create a low platform from which to develop producer capabilities.With this in mind, attention has begun to focus on the important role organisations undertaking intermediary functions can play in supporting clusters of small producers.Intermediary organisations appear to have been particularly prominent in undertaking a range of activities associated to building what a section of the literature has called "collective efficiency", whereby joint actions by small firms facilitate upgrading of productive activities (Schmitz 1995;Gomes 2006;Schmitz and Nadvi 1999). This burgeoning area of literature raises some new questions for cluster dynamics, one of which is how do intermediary organisations develop the skills and competencies to support upgrading of producer capabilities? This is a particularly relevant area of research because in much of the cluster and regional dynamics literature, although intermediary organisations have been prominent in filling information gaps (Howells 2006) or assisting artisans and entrepreneurs respond to market opportunities (Piore and Sabel 1984), they have generally...

This paper analyses intermediary organisations in developing economy agricultural clusters. The paper critically engages with a growing narrative in studies of intermediaries that have stressed the ownership structure of intermediaries as a key driver for enabling knowledge transfer, inter-firm learning and upgrading of small producers in clusters. Two case studies of Latin American clusters are presented and discussed. The study suggests that in addition to ownership structure, cluster governance and the embeddedness of intermediaries in clusters are critical factors that need to be taken into account in understanding the influence of intermediaries in the upgrading of small producers in clusters.

Electric vehicles have been a source of major innovation but the problem of vehicle range persists. Range extenders, auxiliary power units that can be attached to vehicles as a trailer, seek to solve the problem by providing additional range during longer journeys. This study uses patent data, social network analysis and qualitative data to examine the development of this technology. It finds that small firms have made significant progress in technological terms and have also designed credible business models. They have met resistance from larger vehicle manufacturers, however, whose preference is to wait for developments in battery density despite great uncertainty as to when these will come.