Why research partnerships really matter: Innovation theory, institutional arrangements and implications for developing new technology for the poor

This paper explores the conceptual basis for existing and emergent institut ional patterns in the context of partnership approaches to technology devel opment. Drawing examples from recent studies of private enterprise activity in India smallholder horticulture, it suggests that agricultural innovatio n as a process involves a wider range of organizational types than the conv entional policy focus on public sector research organizations would tend to suggest. It uses the concept of a "national innovation system" to argue th at a partnership approach is adopted as a core methodology for engaging sci ence and technology development with the livelihood demands of the poor. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.