INNOVATION SYSTEMS APPROACH AND SUPPORT ELEMENTS FOR INNOVATION IN AGRICULTURE

The formation and development of innovations is unimaginable without some particular system. Innovation systems approaches may be classified as national, regional and sectorial, and individual system elements may be analysed as well. A national innovation system has been created in Latvia, yet no such a system has been established at the level of individual industries of the national economy. The research aim is to develop an innovation systems approach model for the agricultural industry in Latvia and to assess financial support elements. The national innovation system creates prerequisites for a favourable environment for innovation in the country. Three key sectors are distinguished by the innovation systems approach model for the agricultural industry: 1) farmers; 2) national institutions; 3) service, involved institutions and agents. A number of factors hindering cooperation among institutions affect the creation and introduction of innovations in the agricultural industry. Although support elements are available, they are not exploited sufficiently.