Knowledge and innovation management in agribusiness: A study in the Dominican Republic

Abstract

To date and worldwide, most business activities in the agribusiness sectors have focused on increasing productive efficiency to the detriment of the environmental impact of these activities, despite close connection that exist between agribusinesses and natural resources. This paper argues that knowledge and innovation management (KIM) can play a key role in fostering and managing creativity in the agribusiness sector. To test this assumption, an empirical model linking KIM with employee creativity, responsible green innovation, and performance in the agribusiness sector of the Dominican Republic is proposed and tested with data from 110 agribusiness companies. We found that strengthening the relationships between the above constructs is needed, with a view to readjusting the meaning of firm performance in the light of emerging (post-pandemic) circumstances for agribusinesses. The statistical analyses yield important implications and recommendations for practice, management, and policy making in these areas in this country and elsewhere.