ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a subset of case histories that illustrate characteristics of the social system supporting innovation in agriculture. The ambitious Agricultural Research Service program to eradicate the boll weevil is a total systems effort that involves the use of multiple technologies and modern field management in a carefully monitored approach to eliminating boll weevil populations. The chapter shows how the agricultural community organizes to obtain widespread action when the market requires a significant consensus. Technology transfer is a time- and energy-consuming process for all involved. Scientists must communicate results to diverse audiences, technologists must adapt findings and technologies to fit existing markets, companies must promote products in the market, and innovative farmers must conduct realistic field trials. The chapter argues that the success of many technologies in agriculture requires the active support of service firms that provide aid in critical activities. The concept of an inventive community has important implications for policymakers in agricultural research.
