Assessing interaction intensity and relational diversity within the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems: the AKIS-Interact Index

Abstract Interactions among actors are recognised as fundamental to the well-functioning of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), yet operational metrics for measuring these interactions remain limited. This study addresses this methodological gap by developing the AKIS-Interact Index, a composite indicator that integrates interaction intensity and relational diversity into a single framework to assess actor embeddedness and systemic connectivity within the AKIS. The AKIS-Interact Index was developed through an iterative process of empirical application and methodological refinement conducted from 2020 to 2025. Interaction intensity was measured using the arithmetic mean of interaction scores, while relational diversity was quantified using the Shannon entropy index. The framework was validated through its application to the Italian AKIS using data through interviews, stakeholder consultations and focus groups. The empirical application revealed a moderate level of systemic embeddedness within the Italian AKIS, characterised by moderate interaction intensity and a very high level of relational diversity. The results indicate that interactions are broadly distributed across actor categories, despite important differences in relationship strength. The analysis identified four distinct relational profiles: systemic connectors, specialised hubs, diffuse connectors and peripheral actors. These findings demonstrate that relying on assessing interaction intensity alone may mask important differences in actor embeddedness that become visible when relational diversity is incorporated into the assessment.