Agricultural Innovation and New Ventures: Assessing the Commercial Potential

Strategic Marketing Management: Achieving Superior Business Performance through Intelligent Marketing Strategy

Differences in organizations’ innovation capability in transition economy: Internal aspect of the organizations’ strategic orientation

A longitudinal survey of health and nutrition in China was undertaken in eight provinces (Liaoning, Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangxi, Guizhou). Data were collected in 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1997. The 1991 and 1993 data were used to investigate factors affecting intrahousehold food distribution. The discrepancy score and the ratio of food share to energy share were used to describe food distribution within households. Findings indicated that, in most cases, males had a higher proportion of nutrient intake than females, particularly in the young adult group where men presented with a higher discrepancy score than women for energy and all nutrients observed. The food and nutrient distribution tends to be more favourable to the middle-aged group, although the youngest group, while accepting relatively smaller amounts of cereals, ate much bigger amounts of meat, dairy products and fruits. Household members with higher incomes are more favoured in terms of food consumption and nutrient intake. Household leaders accepted a higher share of energy and nutrients in comparison with other members of the household across all age and sex groups. Administrators and people working in service or trade industries in rural areas are favoured in terms of food distribution relative to farmers and manual workers. Well-educated people accepted a better food allocation than others and those in employment received more nutrients than the unemployed. The 'contribution rule' (individuals who make a greater contribution to the family receive a larger share of the family's food) is discussed and deemed to be applicable in explaining the discrepancy in food distribution and nutrient intake among household members.

This study examines the role of halal certification in enhancing the competitiveness of food Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by integrating market signaling and capability development perspectives. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, primary data were collected from food MSMEs in Indonesia through a structured survey. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyze the direct and indirect effects of halal certification on firm-level competitiveness, with operational capabilities modeled as a mediating variable. The results indicate that halal certification has a positive and statistically significant effect on food MSME competitiveness. In addition, halal certification is found to significantly strengthen internal operational capabilities, including process standardization, hygiene and sanitation management, ingredient traceability, employee training, and documentation practices. These operational capabilities, in turn, have a strong positive effect on competitiveness. Mediation analysis confirms that operational capabilities partially mediate the relationship between halal certification and competitiveness, indicating that halal certification enhances competitiveness both directly, through market signaling and increased consumer trust, and indirectly, through internal capability development. The findings contribute to the literature by demonstrating that halal certification functions not only as a religious or regulatory compliance mechanism but also as a strategic tool for organizational upgrading and sustainable competitive advantage. By integrating signaling theory and the resource-based view, this study provides a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms through which certification-based standards influence food MSME performance. From a policy and managerial perspective, the results suggest that halal certification support programs should emphasize both administrative facilitation and capability-building interventions to maximize the competitiveness benefits for food MSMEs.

Relevance. Recent practice has convincingly tested the fact that the transition to a circular economy is an important goal for society and individual companies, especially in resource-intensive manufacturing industries.Research objective. The purpose of the study is to develop a theoretical and methodological basis for the creation of innovative solvates in regional industry, based on the concept of circular economy. Data and methods. The research methodology is represented by the convergence of system-synergetic, resource-efficient and cluster approaches, which makes it possible to identify regions where integrating industrial enterprises and related fields of activity form conditions and produce values in the concept of the circular economy.Results. The theoretical and methodological basis for the creation of new structures for the innovative development of regional industry on the platform of circularity, principles of inclusiveness, resilience and environmental friendliness has been formed; a new concept - innovative solvates has been introduced into scientific circulation. Based on the cluster analysis, the zones of localization of innovative solvates in the regions of Russia were identified. This made it possible to single out a cluster group with a high scientific and innovative potential, as well as a cluster of regions with the potential to localize innovative solvates, which included regions of industrial and resource specialization.Conclusions. The article presents the directions of solving the problem of achieving the conditions imposed by the circular economy in the innovative solvates of the industrial sector of the region. The study is motivated by several considerations. The first is the formation of an integral conceptual and terminological apparatus, theoretical and methodological basis of research. The second is the establishment of partnerships necessary for the implementation of circularity conditions in an innovative solvate, and the analysis of ways in which a solvate can switch to a circular economy.

Agricultural enterprises play a crucial role in China’s rural revitalization strategy, but persistent financing constraints hinder their innovation potential. This study examines the impact of digital inclusive finance on agricultural enterprise innovation, with a particular focus on the mediating role of financing constraints. Using panel data from agricultural enterprises listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (2014–2023), this study employs fixed-effect regression models and mediation analysis to explore these relationships. The empirical findings reveal that digital financial inclusion significantly enhances innovation levels in agricultural enterprises (β = 0.5127, p < 0.01). Additionally, digital financial inclusion reduces financing constraints (β = –0.0385, p < 0.01), confirming that improved access to digital financial services lowers borrowing costs and increases credit availability. Mediation analysis demonstrates a partial mediation effect, as the coefficient of digital financial inclusion on innovation decreases when financing constraints are included in the model (β = 0.5057). Subgroup analyses show that SMEs, state-owned enterprises, and non-coastal firms benefit the most from digital financial inclusion in China. These findings have important policy and managerial implications. Policymakers should strengthen digital financial infrastructure in rural areas and promote financial inclusion policies to support agribusinesses. Financial institutions should expand digital financial services, such as fintech-driven credit assessments and online lending platforms, to enhance agricultural innovation. Additionally, agricultural enterprises should leverage digital financial tools to overcome financing constraints and boost competitiveness.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are known to be vulnerable due to liabilities of 'newness' as well as 'smallness'. Naturally, there is a strong conviction among policy-makers, researchers, trainers and consultants that SMEs need support for their survival and growth, particularly the education and training support for building their internal capabilities. Paradoxically, however, there is no such felt need for education and training among the SMEs, as was revealed in a survey in India. This paper reports on the findings of this survey, explores the reasons for such apathy to education and training among SMEs, discusses the international best practices in the field and proposes a model for entrepreneurship education, which should not only focus on facilitating the task environment but also the general environment – latter for the development of innovative individuals and the former for channelling their innovativeness into business start-ups. Thus, education has a dual role in promoting entrepreneurship.

This paper aims at comparing the innovative potential of leading food processing companies in emerging and developed economies. We asked ourselves how the clearly differing economic and social conditions of two areas that are only comparable in terms of their number of inhabitants (about 16 to 18 million), namely a fast growing emerging economy (the Shanghai area in China) and a developed economy (The Netherlands) affect competitiveness and innovation of their leading prospector companies. Our study population consisted of 31 respondents (CEOs, CTOs and R&D directors) from 18 leading prospector companies in the food processing industry : nine in the Netherlands and nine in Shanghai. We focus on how the combination of external forces exerted by actors in the network (competitors, suppliers and buyers) and internal forces (especially innovation capabilities) affect competitiveness and innovation performance of these companies. A 52-item research questionnaire, based on industrial organization theory and the Resource-Based-View, was designed for this study, including quantitative questions on innovative input and output and business performance, and qualitative questions about competitive pressure and the quality of the innovation process. Interesting findings are that both innovative as well as business performance are predominantly related to the companies’ internal (innovation) capabilities. As expected, clear differences between Chinese and Dutch companies were found regarding the external forces as well as in the internal capabilities they deploy to survive The pressure from the external environment, especially the power of buyers and the threat of new entrants is clearly felt more strongly by the Dutch companies than by their Chinese counterparts. The Chinese companies report to significantly use more KPI’s to monitor the R&D process, whereas the Dutch companies are significantly more active in stimulating an innovative culture. Interestingly, however, neither of these differences leads to significant differences in business or innovation performance between the two groups in our study. The answer to the question whether agri-food companies in developed economies still have a competitive edge compared to those in emerging economies, such as China that emerges from the data collected so far points in the direction of the disappearance of the traditional advantage of the companies from developed economies: no significant differences could be found neither in innovation performance, nor in business performance among the companies from the Netherlands and the Shanghai region in China.

In today's turbulent economic conditions, some organizations are able to sustain their competitive positioning while others, with similar capital and technological resources, seem to struggle to survive. In addition, more and more firms seem to adopt strategies that focus primarily on their internal strengths, capabilities, and competencies, while others seem to depend more on external forces to shape their strategies, such as competition, economies of scale, and technological demands. In this chapter, the author argues that in unstable business environments the integration of internal and external perspectives of strategy formulation is necessary for a firm to sustain advantages for long. The proposed model presents four stages of corporate strategy development: Scouting, Maintenance, Dominance, and Appraisal. The chapter utilizes the concepts of Critical Success Factors (CSFs) and Critical Resources (CRs), describes its applicability by using two cases of companies that adopted similar long-run strategies, and finally offers implications for strategic management and planning practitioners.

A sustainability framework based on nested adaptive socio-ecological systems is used to analyse historical examples of soil erosion and its implications for food production and security for a growing population. While there are examples of innovation in agriculture to address food availability, there are also cases of inadequate social responses leading to famine. The analysis highlights the value of considering these issues in a framework of linked biophysical and socio-economic systems. The socio-economic system generates management interventions to resolve biophysical limitations such as soil depletion on food production. The socio-economic system is also responsible when there are inadequate social responses. Currently, the biophysical system produces enough food to feed the world population. However, food distribution through the socio-economic system results in increasing numbers of undernourished people. Biophysical system modelling indicates that unless major changes are made to the current world system, overshoot because of resource depletion will lead to system collapse within the 21st century. To develop sustainability strategies, we need to analyse the socio-economic response to this biophysical vulnerability. A socio-ecological analysis also indicates that perspectives based on power relations that govern real-world decision making rather than sustainability interventions to address food security, need to be incorporated.

In the global pursuit of achieving Zero Hunger, the balance between food supply and demand stands as a critical determinant. This article delves into the intricate dynamics of food production, distribution, and consumption, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in meeting the nutritional needs of a growing population. Through a comprehensive analysis of trends, policies, and innovations in agriculture and food systems, this article explores pathways towards achieving food security and ending hunger worldwide. By emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach that addresses both supply-side constraints and demand-side factors, the article advocates for integrated strategies that promote sustainable agriculture, equitable access to food, and nutritional diversity. Drawing upon empirical evidence and case studies from diverse contexts, the article underscores the urgency of collective action and multisectoral collaboration in realizing the vision of Zero Hunger. Ultimately, it argues that by aligning production with nutritional needs, enhancing food distribution systems, and empowering communities to make healthy food choices, we can create a world where every person has access to adequate, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food, thereby ensuring food security and promoting human well-being.

Nowadays, sustainable development has been underlined as critical in relation to firm performance and is becoming a global concern. Green innovation is believed to be a fundamental approach to environmental protection and determines the firms' competitiveness. Many factors drive the success of adopting green innovation. Unfortunately, many studies generally focus on large industries. This study investigates the influence of the firms' external pressure and internal factors simultaneously on the adoption of green innovation in small enterprises in developing countries. We conceptualized the four factors that may determine the successful implementation of green innovation to achieve sustainable performance, including environmental regulations, customer pressure, resources and capabilities, and management commitment. Data were gathered from 160 food sector SMEs in Malang Raya, Indonesia. Data analysis used structural equation modeling with the partial least squares approach (SEM‐PLS). The empirical results conclude the positive effects of customer pressure, resources and capabilities, and commitment management on green innovation, which in turn had a positive on sustainable performance. The results also confirmed that environmental regulations did not significantly impact green innovation. The findings provide valuable contributions and encourage SMEs to foster green innovation's potential for better sustainable performance and competitive advantage. The findings also offer integrated perspectives on how firms should be more innovative toward sustainability.

Earth’s human population currently exceeds 7 billion, and by the year 2050 our planet will have at least two billion more mouths to feed. When faced with providing food for so many people, the idea is often advanced that Australia will become the ‘food bowl’ of Asia. Australia currently grows enough food to feed about three times its population and agricultural exports are important to our economy; however, Australia’s role in feeding the world needs careful consideration. This highly topical book draws together the latest intelligence on the sustainable production and distribution of food and other products from Australian farms. It examines questions that policy-makers, farmers, politicians, agricultural scientists and the general public are asking about the potential productivity of our arable land, the environmental and economic impacts of seeking to increase productivity, and the value of becoming cleaner and greener in our agricultural output. With chapters on the emergence of new markets, consumer trends in China, the biophysical constraints on agricultural expansion, and the various products of Australian agriculture and aquaculture, Australia’s Role in Feeding the World provides valuable insight into the future of agriculture in this nation. The book is ideal reading for academics and students in agriculture, environmental sciences, economics, Australian studies, international development studies; agricultural practitioners; and the food production industry.

The mineral fertilizer microdosing (MD) technique was disseminated in the North-Sudanian zone of Burkina Faso for 3 years, using various extension tools. This study aimed to analyze the economic efficiency as well as farmers’ perception of the use of MD technique. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 60 demonstration plots conducted by innovative farmers and from 300 households, using an interview guide during the focus groups. The results of the demonstration trials showed that this innovation significantly increased (P˂0.05) sorghum productivity compared to farmer’s practice. It even tripled sorghum yields when combined with soil and water conservation (SWC) techniques, and the use of improved seed varieties. It also led to the efficient use of production capital with cost-benefit ratios ranging from 1.3 to 6.9 depending on the sorghum germplasm and its combined use with SWC techniques. Farmers acknowledged the positive effects of MD technique on their socio-economic well-being through higher incomes from sorghum production and improved food availability. These results challenged policy makers to trigger actions aiming at promoting large-scale adoption of MD technique for sustainable local development.

Investment attractiveness is a combination of economic, social, and natural factors that determine capital inflows into a region. It reflects both objective investment conditions – profitability and risk – and the subjective perception of investors. Investment attractiveness is closely linked to investment activity and the investment environment, which influence a region’s overall image. Assessing investment attractiveness involves quantitative and qualitative evaluations of innovation potential and implementation. Key factors include socio-economic development, production and commercial potential, labor quality, as well as crime and corruption risks. While investors generally consider similar factors, their relative importance varies. The main drivers of investment growth include production, innovation, economic conditions, workforce, infrastructure, and the social environment, each of which can impact investment appeal positively or negatively. Ukraine possesses strategic advantages such as a favorable geographic location, a highly educated workforce, and relatively low living costs, making it attractive to foreign investors, particularly in the IT sector. Despite economic challenges, Ukraine's innovation sector continues to grow, with startups successfully securing foreign investments. Ukrainian IT companies benefit from cultural proximity to Western markets, skilled employees, and competitive pricing. Government support further enhances investment appeal, fostering technological and innovative growth. However, challenges remain, including regulatory hurdles, limited early-stage funding, and low venture capital inflows. These issues force many Ukrainian entrepreneurs to seek investment abroad, slowing technological advancement. Financial mismanagement and insufficient market demand also contribute to startup failures, as seen in the case of Ecoisme, which struggled to secure sufficient funding despite its innovative energy-monitoring solution. Startup investments play a crucial role in Ukraine’s economic resilience, contributing to education, healthcare, financial services, and national security. The success of initiatives like Prozorro highlights the potential of financial innovations in reducing corruption and improving efficiency. Supporting fintech development through transparent regulations can further enhance Ukraine’s investment climate. Promising areas for startup growth include R&D, robotics, bioengineering, 3D printing, software development, and fintech. The National Bank of Ukraine’s Fintech Development Strategy 2025, along with government-backed startup programs and the Ukrainian Startup Fund, further support this growth. Given rapid technological advancements and Ukraine’s evolving economic landscape, continued research on the investment attractiveness of tech startups remains essential.