Outcomes of rural transformative innovation projects: the case of the Rota dos Butiazais

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to analyze the framework for the evaluation of sociotechnical niches of transformative innovation. In the transformative innovation, the innovative system involves actors from multiple levels of society who seek to develop socioenvironmental innovation. These innovative spaces are called sociotechnical niches. To respond to the research objective, a case study was carried out in the “Rota dos Butiazais” project. The 12 transformative results proposed in the framework proved to be adequate to the evaluation of a rural project and allowed of a formative and reflexive assessment of the evolution stage and the need of new activities to be developed by the group, with a view to make the project evolve toward the scope of the expected impacts. In addition to the 12 transformative outcomes, originally proposed by the framework, three new ones – coordination, analysis of emerging production chains, and promotion of sociocultural changes – were identified as necessary for the formative evaluation process. The transformative outcomes can considered as useful for other research projects focused on sustainability in research companies, and they can also be inspiring to universities, especially regarding integrated teaching, research, and extension projects.