Social Media for Enhancing Stakeholders' Innovation Networks in Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT

This case study assessed local food stakeholders' use of Facebook and Twitter to support interaction and build their networks of innovation in Ontario. Data were collected using Netlytic − an online data mining tool from the social media platforms − and key informant interviews. Findings revealed that stakeholders could be more innovative in their use of social media, but they would be unlikely to do so, without tapping into beneficial interactions of weak ties, as well as fostering strong ties. They also need to utilize the high brokerage role of key facilitating organizations and develop a social media strategy by integrating both ‘online’ and ‘offline’ interactions.

KEYWORDS:

• Local Food
• Ontario
• Social Media
• Innovation
• Networks
• Communication

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Acknowledgements

This research was conducted within the post-doctoral project of the second author. The Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada is acknowledged for support of the post-doctoral research and the Netherlands Fellowship Program is acknowledged for support of the graduate study of the first author.