The farmers are integral to the innovation process in the region of Karditsa in Greece – as are networks and the ability to collaborate. Thus, the New Generation Cooperatives play a big part in helping the innovation process along.

The cases studied in Karditsa represent at bottom up approach for rural development involving farmers who are trying to meet environmental, financial and social criteria for sustainability. All the cases are built around different versions of the New Generation Cooperatives adopted by farmers in response to their specific needs and priorities.

The Pearls: What Was Striking About the Innovation Cases?

The Role of the Farmer

The farmers of Karditsa are very enthusiastic participants in the innovation processes and bring an awareness of health and quality to the table.

The Innovation Process

All four of the Greek cases are product innovations except PSYHANTHOS which is retro-innovation inasmuch as the cultivation of pulses is not new in the area but nevertheless a striking example of innovation.

The Importance of Networks and Good Collaboration

Furthermore, the innovation process in Karditsa is characterized by the participants interacting with a lot of different actors and a willingness to cooperate. The New Generation Cooperatives help the small farmers to produce and sell and to turn ideas into concrete actions and investments.

Another characteristic of the innovation process in Karditsa is the “Karditsa diaspora”, the strong bonds that people have with their home towns, something that also contributes to making the innovation processes successful.

Other Important Stakeholders

The sponsors of the four Greek cases distinguish themselves by showing great patience during the innovation process. The sponsors are found externally as well as within own ranks since members of the New Generation Cooperatives also act as investors.

The Puzzles: Things to Reconsider for the Stakeholders

  • Focus on marketing.
  • Clear budgets and business plans.
  • Cultivation is not a problem? – How about production planning?
  • Certainty without to be sure of the future.
  • Advisory service? – No knowledge from other possible advisory service providers other than ANKA.
  • Imbalance with regard to public vs. private actors.
  • Non-material investments are not stimulated.
  • Does transferability of solutions exist?
  • People wearing multiple hats – Can this be a problem?

Proposals For the Innovation Process

  • Invest more in formalizing the marketing strategies.
  • Move forward step by step.
  • Use more external consultation on business planning.
  • Involve consumer representatives in the innovation processes.
  • Make social media for “Karditsa diaspora”.
  • Organize local events to present the coops and their products and services.
  • Keep the advisory service ANKA going.
  • Networking across borders could give inspiration for new ideas.
  • Installing a regional marketing advisory service could be an idea.
  • Establish an advisory service by EuRDP.
  • Establish an operational group in EuRDP.
  • Establish a network for innovators in EuRDP
  • EIP finances innovation projects (tests, research, trials) and working groups

Read more about the Greek Cross Visit.