Avaliação de Resultados de Projetos de Inovação Transformadora Rural: o caso do projeto Rota dos Butiazais

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze the framework for evaluating sociotechnical innovation niches proposed by Molas-Gallart et al. (2020) and Ghosh et al. (2021) in the Brazilian rural context. The following specific objectives were defined: to describe the Rota dos Butiazais Project; to identify the theory of change of the Rota dos Butiazais project; to identify the transformative results obtained by the Rota dos Butiazais project; to analyze the niche evaluation framework with a view to application in rural niches; propose suggestions for improvements to the analyzed framework. To carry out an empirical analysis of the theoretical model of the twelve transformative outcomes, a case study was carried out in the sociotechnical niche Rota dos Butiazais, which is associated with the rural context. A bibliographical review was carried out, where the evolution of the guiding frames of science and technology policies, the types of innovation niches, the sociotechnical niches evaluation, the theory of change, and transforming results related to innovation niches and their particularities were discussed. This study can be characterized as qualitative research. The chosen method was the case study and focus groups were carried out with participants to data collection. In addition, a documental analysis was also carried out. The analysis of the generated data was performed through content analysis. The research conclusions indicated that the Rota dos Butiazais project presents characteristics of an Experimental Policy commitment; the elaboration process of the Theory of Change made possible a formative analysis on which factors are affecting the range of impacts expected by the group; the 12 transformative results proved to be adequate for the evaluation of a rural EPE; the 12 transformative results enabled a formative and reflective assessment of the stage of evolution and the need for new activities to be developed by the group with a view to making the project evolve towards the achievement of the expected impacts; the focus group method proved to be an adequate strategy for research that aims to understand group experiences and transform reality; three new transformative outcomes are needed in the formative assessment of an EPE. They are coordination, structuring, and analysis of emerging productive chains; promotion of sociocultural changes. A set of suggestions were made for projects focused on sustainability linked to Embrapa, as well as for the improvement of public policies.