MICROAKIS OF DEMONSTRATION FARMS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC

The demonstration activities are considered as the most effective way to transfer knowledge and innovation among farmers. In the Czech Republic, these activities are supported under Measure 9.F.m Demonstration Farms from national sources. The paper focuses on understanding the "microAKIS" (farm-level knowledge networks) of these demonstration farms to identify key types of actors. The research seeks to answer the research question: Where does the demonstration farm get the information it needs? Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data and the results of the questionnaire survey were processed using the Social Network Analysis method. The contribution of the paper can be expected at evaluation and practical level. The evaluative contribution is in uncovering the knowledge network of demonstration farms and assessing their ability to provide an environment for the dissemination of innovations in agriculture (Innovation Support Services). The practical contribution is in establishing a relationship with demonstration farms and ideally agreeing on regular collection of information supporting the coordination and development of the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System.