Innovation capabilities and learning mechanisms: insights from Ghanaian fresh fruit processing enterprises

Abstract

Strengthening the capabilities of agro-processing enterprises to be innovative and competitive has been a long-term industrial development challenge. This is mainly because, there is limited empirical insight on the ability of the enterprises to assimilate and use knowledge to create innovations. The effectiveness of policy in supporting capability building is also often contested. This paper employs a multi-case qualitative research approach to understand innovation capability building processes. It argues that learning mechanisms required differ with agro-enterprise size. Findings reveal the acquisition of knowledge in the micro- and small enterprises is embedded in learning-by-doing and informal mechanisms that require context-specific development interventions. Therefore, knowledge supply organizations must understand these peculiarities to support these enterprises with ‘easy-to-understand-and-use’ technologies and practical managerial information. Policy-makers need to formulate and implement strategies that can effectively facilitate partnerships, technology development and transfer within an enabling industrial policy environment, for enhanced capability building and a competitive industrial sector.