Tackling wicked problems in agriculture with mission-oriented and transformative innovation policy? A systematic review and cross-country comparison

Abstract

Using a systematic literature review and cross-country comparison, this thesis investigates the application of mission-driven and transformational innovation policy to address intractable challenges in agriculture. In the domain of agriculture, the theoretical framework encompasses the establishment of innovation policy, wicked problems, and problem-solution space. The thesis assesses the limitations of agricultural innovation policy while confronting wicked problems and explores innovation policy approach and stylised pathways in the agricultural context. The cross-country study focuses on the agricultural policy systems of Germany and Japan and their tactics for tackling intractable problems, contrasting these systems with eleven high-level policies. The research found that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for determining one pathway is superior than another, and that the effectiveness of the policy approach is dependent on a number of criteria. The study adds to the field by shedding light on the creation of creative policies that can be used to guide future research in this area.