Achieving the mission of a circular economy in the agri-food sector? A comparative case study of three circular innovations in Germany

A growing body of research, development and innovation activities in the agri-food sector aims at closing material cycles, recovering resources and introducing high-control production systems. However, emerging circular agri-food systems often have difficulties establishing viable innovation niches and prospects for up-scaling, out-scaling or replication. To better understand these systemic innovation barriers, this paper adopts a mission-oriented innovation system (MIS) perspective. A comparative case study analysis of three emerging circular agri-food systems in Germany finds similar innovation barriers despite different technological approaches: lack of economic competitiveness with established agri-food production methods, limited access to financial resources for commercialization, and a policy framework tilted towards established production methods (e.g. in subsidy requirements and labeling regimes). The findings highlight the importance of mission-oriented policies in fostering agri-food innovation niches which require cross-sectoral policy coordination and regulatory adjustments.