Nexus Innovation-Processus-Territoire » pour une dynamique collective de développement : une revue de la littérature

Abstract- As a key factor in development, innovation is considered to be one of the key elements in driving change and improving people's living conditions. Innovation is more pronounced when it is rooted in the territory in which it takes place. This work consisted in analysing the conceptualisation of innovation perceived in its territorial dimension in order to stimulate reflection on the different dynamics that can be structured during its implementation. The universality that characterises innovation is the novelty it brings and/or the improvement of what already exists. The problems of agricultural innovation, which place territoriality at the heart of analyses, still remain an opportunity to be explored, even though the purpose of an innovation is to change the landscape in which it is implemented. The innovation niche is therefore an opportunity to facilitate the socialisation of innovation. There are several theoretical approaches to innovation, notably diffusion theory, factor theory and continuity theory. Continuity theory has several variants, but the processual analysis variant is increasingly being used in development projects to promote the nexus between innovation, collective dynamics and territorial development. The challenge for projects is to strengthen and encourage a diversity of practices and systems that are more sustainable and better adapted to local conditions, both ecological and socio-economic, and above all promoted within niches. They provide a space for micro-transformation that is closer to local populations, and are essential for building bridges between fundamental research/action and endogenous knowledge. It is vital to consider innovation as a process that is socialised within a region in order to contribute to its transformation, if we are to guarantee lasting change. It is therefore essential to place communities at the heart of the action.