Rethinking agricultural district as an innovation system

Abstract The European Union ensures the ‘Agricultural Knowledge and innovation System’ (AKIS) framework through policy tools such as multi-actor arrangements. The paper focuses on a notable example of the efforts made by the legislator to foster interactions and innovative collaborations in Italy: the so-called ‘Food Districts’; established to support interactions among actors and to increase local development in the agricultural sector. Thus, referring on the regulatory transitional period, the hypothesis of this study is to frame ‘Food Districts’ within the AKIS framework, implementing a Grounded Theory on regional ‘Strategic Plans’. Findings indicate that, during this transitional phase, farmers and local organizations were already aware of the importance of establishing networks, which serve as a crucial driver of innovation, not only for improving farm structures but also for enhancing product valorisation. However, significantly fewer needs were expressed regarding advisory services and digitalization, which remained underdeveloped. Consequently, the legislator’s role, beyond providing financial support, should be to encourage greater attention to these crucial areas, thereby enhancing rural development. Results confirm this view, demonstrating that 'Food Districts' relate AKIS to the need of generating processes of learning and innovation supporting infrastructure, integration of value-chains and networks.