Controlled environmental agriculture & the need for innovations networks

Abstract: This thesis explores which innovation systems that facilitates growth for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) companies and to successfully operate within the food industry. This was done by interviewing several companies within the CEA industry as well as relevant governmental organizations. The theoretical framework was constructed to support the analysis and was based on several innovation systems theories as well as the Multi Level Perspective (MLP). The research found that the CEA companies to a great extent rely on several important actors within their different innovation systems to successfully grow their business over time . Investors emerged as the single most important actor for CEA firms, especially during the startup phase when funding was crucial for scaling up their operations and achieving profitability. Collaboration with governmental institutions and universities are also very important for CEA companies, both when it comes to financial and research support but also as a platform for future working competence. Additionally, the study identified a trend where younger companies rely on local and regional innovation systems, while more mature companies seek engagement in larger global systems for increased funding, knowledge, and support. In conclusion, the success of CEA companies is closely tied to the involvement of the relevant actors within their innovation systems to overcome the obstacles that the companies are facing where financial partners and universities proved to be the most important actors in the startup phase, but where laws and regulations were an important indirect factor for the companies.