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The rapid transformation in the way people live has become a concern for countries around the world. Innovation can offer a strategy to address sustainable development challenges in all areas of society. Traditionally, the agri‐food sector has had low levels of innovation and research and development (R&D). Despite its negative environmental effects, its value for society is unquestionable. Therefore, the agri‐food sector must not lag behind other sectors in embracing the technological progress that contributes to sustainable development. The scientific literature contains studies of eco‐innovation drivers and barriers. Nevertheless, research on low‐technology sectors such as the agri‐food sector is scarce. To address this research gap, this paper identifies the internal and external factors that are necessary for in‐firm eco‐innovation and whose absence can constrain or block eco‐innovation development. Data were gathered from Spanish agriculture and industrial agri‐food firms in 2022 based on primary statistical information collected in a 2022 survey to obtain data on their activity in the period 2017–2021. Necessary condition analysis (NCA) reveals three main findings: (i) internal factors are more relevant than external factors, (ii) the type of firm and the degree of eco‐innovation development affect the importance of internal and external factors, and (iii) agricultural and industrial agri‐food firms prioritize different stages of eco‐innovation development because of the higher complexity and technological progress of industrial firms. These results highlight eco‐innovation as a key strategy to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector. By prioritizing internal factors and fostering eco‐innovation through environmental training, green relationships, and support networks, companies can progress toward more sustainable and technologically advanced practices, thus contributing to the overall sustainable development of the sector. This underscores the importance of policies that promote training, investment in R&D, environmental and fiscal regulation, and collaboration to drive eco‐innovation and sustainability in the agri‐food sector.
The rapid transformation in the way people live has become a concern for countries around the world. Innovation can offer a strategy to address sustainable development challenges in all areas of society. Traditionally, the agri‐food sector has had low levels of innovation and research and development (R&D). Despite its negative environmental effects, its value for society is unquestionable. Therefore, the agri‐food sector must not lag behind other sectors in embracing the technological progress that contributes to sustainable development. The scientific literature contains studies of eco‐innovation drivers and barriers. Nevertheless, research on low‐technology sectors such as the agri‐food sector is scarce. To address this research gap, this paper identifies the internal and external factors that are necessary for in‐firm eco‐innovation and whose absence can constrain or block eco‐innovation development. Data were gathered from Spanish agriculture and industrial agri‐food firms in 2022 based on primary statistical information collected in a 2022 survey to obtain data on their activity in the period 2017–2021. Necessary condition analysis (NCA) reveals three main findings: (i) internal factors are more relevant than external factors, (ii) the type of firm and the degree of eco‐innovation development affect the importance of internal and external factors, and (iii) agricultural and industrial agri‐food firms prioritize different stages of eco‐innovation development because of the higher complexity and technological progress of industrial firms. These results highlight eco‐innovation as a key strategy to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector. By prioritizing internal factors and fostering eco‐innovation through environmental training, green relationships, and support networks, companies can progress toward more sustainable and technologically advanced practices, thus contributing to the overall sustainable development of the sector. This underscores the importance of policies that promote training, investment in R&D, environmental and fiscal regulation, and collaboration to drive eco‐innovation and sustainability in the agri‐food sector.
Rural areas near large cities do not satisfy the food needs of the city’s population. In Medellín, Colombia, these areas satisfy only 2% of the city’s food needs, highlighting an urgent need to review and improve policies supporting agriculture. This study was conducted over a ten-year period since the release of the Medellín policy related to land use. The model uses agent-based modelling, geographic analysis and dichotomous variables, combining these structures to create a decision-making element and thus identify changes to examine in relation to current land use and detect properties with a potential for conversion to agricultural use. By evaluating post-processed geographic layers, land use in agricultural rural environments is prioritized, setting up clusters of homogeneous zones and finding new areas of rural influence. The implications of this study extend beyond Medellín, offering a model that can be applied to other regions facing similar challenges in agricultural productivity and land use. This research supports informed and effective decision-making in agricultural policy, contributing to improved food security and sustainable development. The results show that some properties are susceptible to policy changes and provide a framework for the revision of local regulations, serving as a support tool for decision-making in rural public policies by giving the local administration key factors to update in the current policies. The findings are relevant to local stakeholders, including policymakers and rural landowners, suggesting that several properties are susceptible to policy changes promoting agriculture and supporting informed decision-making in agricultural policy, contributing to food security and sustainable development. Also, this approach promotes efficient and sustainable agriculture, highlighting the importance of geographic analysis and agent-based modelling in policy planning and evaluation.
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