Open innovation and inclusive partnerships in agribusiness: A case study of NG-seeds

Although the open innovation literature has extensively examined the role of external knowledge sources in firms’ innovation performance, their contribution to innovation in the agribusiness sector remains insufficiently understood. This gap is particularly relevant in low-technology industries and countries with reduced technological creation, where firms and farmers may face limited absorptive capacities, as well as technological and resource constraints. To address this gap, this study examines NG-Seeds, a Chilean agribusiness firm, through a case study approach. The findings show that two partnerships played a key role in the firm's strategic reorientation from the animal feed sector towards human nutrition market. These partnerships facilitated access to external knowledge, technological resources, and new market opportunities. However, the findings also indicate that partnerships alone are insufficient to ensure successful innovation. Their effectiveness depends on the firm's ability to develop complementary capabilities to overcome production, technological, and commercial barriers. By highlighting the interplay between external collaboration and internal capabilities, this study contributes to the open innovation literature by explaining how partnerships can support strategic reorientation and innovation in low-technology industries. It also offers practical insights into how firms can leverage external relationships to overcome innovation barriers and explore new market opportunities.