Fostering transformative research and innovation capacity in agroecosystems through stakeholder engagement: a case study on the long-term agroecosystem research network

Agricultural research in North America has shifted across three paradigms in the last century. Each research paradigm has a different assumption of what the research and innovation process is, the expected outcome of the research, and the focus of change within an agroecosystem. Now research institutions and networks are in the process of shifting from the research paradigm of eco-technology, which prioritizes technology as a means for limiting the negative impacts of agriculture, to a transformative research paradigm. However, there is limited knowledge on how to support an intentional paradigm shift toward transformative research. This case study aims to identify the research capacities and characteristics of transformative research in agriculture using interviews with leaders in the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network. Semistructured interviews with 18 research leaders across the network reveal characteristics of transformative research and lock-ins that limit their ability to transform the research at their site. Four transformative research characteristics and capacities are identified, and lock-ins at different levels of the scientific system are identified that prevent transformative research from occurring. We propose stakeholder engagement as a tool to facilitate a paradigm shift in agricultural research. Tools for integrating stakeholder engagement within the research process are discussed, including stakeholder typologies and stakeholder engagement typologies. A focus on using stakeholder engagement as a means to create transformation by increasing a research site’s capacity includes facilitating stakeholder engagement that (1) supports systems-level innovation and social outcomes, (2) emphasizes research that fosters learning and adaptation processes, (3) incorporates multiple ways of knowing within research, and (4) increases perceived agency to create systems-level change. This research provides a methodology and tool for understanding how research paradigms shift and evolve.