Measuring and understanding the drivers of agricultural innovation: evidence from Ireland

Abstract

Despite the well-known importance of innovation to productivity growth in the agri-food sector, very few studies have attempted to measure farm-level innovation. This article contributes to the literature by developing an agricultural innovation index that goes beyond measuring innovation through adopted technologies. Based on this index, drivers and barriers of innovation are assessed. The findings reveal that innovation efforts differ between farm systems. Moreover, farm size and intensity, access to credit and agricultural education foster innovation, while increasing age and working off-farm hinder innovation. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to facilitate innovation in the agri-food sector.