The evaluation of the national agrifood technology programme: The articulation of the Spanish agrifood innovation system

Abstract

In this article we analyse and evaluate the outputs of R&D Projects, their articulation effects and the role of the management structure of a nationwide R&D programme in the Agrifood Technology area. The statistical analysis of outputs shows how this programme has mainly served the stability and growth of R&D groups. This has produced a small and heterogeneous though significant scientific community in which the most productive 20% of the research groups generate 40% of the output. Using a techno-economic network approach, it is found that the programme has produced sporadic relationships between researchers and firms of the Food and Beverages Industry. However, the articulation of the Spanish Agrifood Innovation System is still deficient. On the other hand, we find that the management of the programme has not been active, failing to contribute to the above-mentioned articulation due to the lack of the necessary human resources.