Analysis of the impact of the regional innovation system of protected agriculture in Hidalgo, Mexico

ABSTRACT

Purpose

The aim of the research was to analyze the impact of the regional innovation system on the efficiency and productivity enterprises dedicated to protected agriculture in Hidalgo, Mexico.

Methodology

The regional innovation system was analyzed by identifying the innovation networks. Subsequently, a typology of enterprises was generated according to the networks in which they participate and an analysis of variance and comparison tests of Scheffé means between clusters.

Findings

In the regional innovation system, the networks were made up of government institutions, teaching and research institutions, and suppliers of inputs and services, where the latter have the highest degrees of articulation. Also, positive effects were identified in the efficiency indicators of the enterprises related to the networks made up of government institutions, teaching and research institutions, and the extension services.

Practical implications

The identification of these interactions is essential for the design of public policies for the promotion of innovation. For example, for the design of a smart extension program that articulates all the actors and that all benefit from their interactions.

Theoretical implications

The study reveals the positive influence of the regional innovation system on enterprises. In addition, it rekindles the discussion on the relevance of the State in the operation of innovation systems, the role of universities in the generation of knowledge and the extension service in the diffusion of new knowledge, information and practices.

Originality/value

The study generates important knowledge about the regional innovation system and about the design of an innovation management strategy.

KEYWORDS:

• Agricultural education
• smart extension
• greenhouses
• policy
• smart agriculture
• smart regional specialization

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Juan Manuel Vargas-Canales

Juan Manuel Vargas-Canales currently a Full Time Professor in the Department of Social Studies of the Division of Social and Administrative Sciences Campus Celaya-Salvatierra belonging to the Universidad de Guanajuato. He is an Agronomist Specialist in Fitotecnia, Master of Science in Horticulture and Doctor of Agroindustrial Economic Problems at the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. His main lines of research are Science, technology, society and innovation in the agri-food sector and intensive agricultural production systems.

María Isabel Palacios-Rangel

María Isabel Palacios-Rangel currently a Full-Time Professor in the Center for Economic, Social and Technological Research on Agribusiness and World Agriculture (CIESTAAM) of the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. She is a Social Anthropologist from the National School of Anthropology and History, Master of Science in Rural Development from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana and Doctor of Science in Rural Development Studies from the Colegio de Posgraduados. Her main lines of research are: Social Studies in Science, Technology and Innovation in the rural sector, Agricultural Mechanization Studies and Studies on Agricultural Specialization and Productive.

Juan Carlos García-Cruz

Juan Carlos García-Cruz currently is Researcher (Catedras-CONACYT) in the Department of Economic Production of the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana - Unidad Xochilmico. He is Master of Science Philosophy of Science (UNAM/Mexico), Master of Science Philosophy, Science and Values (UPV/Spain) and Ph.D. Philosophy of Science (UNAM/Mexico). His main lines of research are Science, Technology, Society and Innovation, Scientific Communication, Epistemology and Philosophy of Science.

Joaquín Huitzilihuitl Camacho-Vera

Joaquín Hutzilihuitl Camacho-Vera currently is Full Time Professor in the Division of Graduate Studies to the Universidad de la Sierra Sur and coordinator of the master's degree in municipal strategic planning at the same institution. He is an Agroindustrial Engineer, Master in Regional Development and Doctor of Agroindustrial Economic Problems from the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. His main lines of research are technological change, agri-food production systems, artisan foods and development.

Yolanda Sánchez-Torres

Yolanda Sánchez-Torres currently is a Full Time Professor at the Institute of administrative and economic science in the foreign trade department, wich belongs to the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo. She is an Economist with a Master in the Economics of Rural Development and a Ph.D in Economy by el Colegio de Posgrados, campus Montecillos. Her area of research is geopolitics of foreign trade as well as Public Policies and regional development, center in the primary sector.

César Simón-Calderón

César Simón-Calderón currently is head of the Banco del Binestar branch. He is an Agronomist Specialist in Fitotecnia and Master in Agribusiness Strategy at the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo. His main lines of research are small agricultural producers, intensive agricultural production systems, and social and solidarity economy.