A Systems Approach to Identify Skill Needs for Agrifood Nanotechnology: A Multiphase Mixed Methods Study

Abstract

As nanotechnology continues to advance in food and agriculture, there is the need for pragmatic decisions as to how to prepare the workforce, and human resource development (HRD) has a vital role to play. This mixed methods study followed a four-step process: The first phase involved a comprehensive systematic evidence review (SER) and stakeholder analysis. The second phase used multicriteria approaches for value elicitation, and the third phase included quantitative analysis, qualitative systems analysis (QSA), and strategic flexibility analysis (SFA) of evidence from the systematic review and the multicriteria value elicitation of experts and stakeholders. The final phase created a generic systems map (influence diagram) to describe the current and future skill needs of agrifood nanotechnology workers holistically as well as how HRD can meet these requirements.