Purpose: The paper explores the role of boundary work and boundary objects in enhancing learning and innovation processes in hybrid multi-actor networks for sustainable agriculture ({LINSA}).Design/Methodology/Approach: Boundary work in {LINSA} is analysed on the basis of six case studies carried out in {SOLINSA} project under a common methodology. In developing typologies of boundary work and objects, a grounded approach is used.Findings: {LINSA} analysis demonstrates the dynamic character, diverse forms and multiple functions of boundary work and objects in three domains: learning, innovation, and sustainability. Addressing specific types of goals and actors leads to specific types of boundary work and boundary objects. Context-appropriate boundary work allows aligning differing actor attitudes, gaining increased external support, and developing {LINSA}. The concepts of boundary work and boundary objects are relevant in a broad range of divergent {LINSA} settings. Boundary work has its limitations, but its facilitation supports reaching {LINSA} goals.Practical Implications: The paper proposes recognising context-appropriate forms of boundary work and skilful use of emerging boundary objects to both promote internal consolidation of {LINSA} and effective external communication to foster learning and innovation for sustainability.Originality/Value: The paper provides insights into the forms, dynamic and outcomes of boundary work in {LINSA} in three key domains: developing shared knowledge base, co-producing innovation and negotiating sustainability
In this article the bricolage concept is applied to compare the organisational dynamics of two alternative food networks (AFNs) in Riga and Bristol respectively. It is argued that bricolage is a useful concept to understand the dynamics of AFNs. The concept 'bricolage' refers to the free use of any materials at hand. Bricoleurs accept that these materials might not be ideal, but nevertheless use them as long as they offer characteristics that help to reach the AFN goals (which, for the AFNs featured in this article, are establishing a functioning farmers' market, and founding a market garden). Such use of 'what fits' and 'what's at hand' may lead to new and unexpected ways how these initiatives operate. The article argues that bricolage is a liberating concept in the organisational study of AFNs because it frames them as characteristically dynamic and constantly active in relation to changes in local contexts. Bricolage thus helps determine the nature of AFN dynamism.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.