Citation for Cook Medal 2024
Knowledge management for innovation in agri-food systems: a conceptual framework
This year’s Cook Medal is presented to Andrea Gardeazabal, Tobias Lunt, Molly M. Jahn, Nele Verhulst, Jon Hellin, and Bram Govaerts, for their Paper entitled “Knowledge Management for Innovation in Agri-food Systems: A Conceptual Framework”.
Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Volume 21 (2), 303–315
https://doi.org/10.1080/14778238.2021.1884010
The judges recognised the paper's rigorous analysis, innovative framework (Agricultural Knowledge Management for Innovation, AKM4I), practical implications, and impact on tackling the complex issues linked with the challenges faced when implementing Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) frameworks. This paper considers systems theory and modelling techniques to develop a set of principles (i.e., knowledge integration, context-specific information, reciprocal relationships, power dynamics, and mode 3 knowledge production) for KM in agricultural innovation.
The paper focuses on the systemic interactions within AIS constituents and shows AKM4I’s benefits of emphasising stakeholders’ engagement and a more equitable approach to knowledge generation, adaptation and adoption. To strengthen the argument, the paper offers a practical case study concerning the implementation of AKM4I in agriculture. This real-world application adds credibility to the framework, stresses transferability to other cases, and highlights its potential impact in the sector.
The authors should also be congratulated on creating an accessible and engaging paper on this subject.