The EU FP6 project IN-SIGHT aimed to contribute to an improved knowledge of innovation systems and processes. Emphasis throughout the project was on gaining a better understanding of linkages in research-practice innovation chains and networks. A guiding idea was to contrast the concept of linear relationships in technology transfer with a more systemic view of innovation networks. In this respect relevant societal and agricultural (knowledge) system changes and alterations in socio-technical networks were explicitly considered. Project goals directly linked with that dealt with an identification of weaknesses and factors that lead to failure in present innovation systems and processes as well as the identification of best practice examples. Effective innovation networks and success factors were identified in a series of case studies and documented. Recommendations were derived that are directly relevant for European and member states level research programmes, measures in support of innovation and rural development policy. The direct involvement of relevant institutions and stakeholders in the research process was a key feature of the IN-SIGHT project. Throughout implementation a close cooperation with practitioners from relevant institutions and stakeholders was ensured. This was implemented through a series of consultations that were directly combined with three indepth reviews for particular innovation fields. The in-depth reviews focused on (a) innovations in agriculture with a particular focus on product and marketing innovations, (b) innovations in environmental technologies with a particular focus on non-food production, bioenergy and water saving technologies, and (c) innovations in (new) rural services and a better use of information and communication technologies in rural areas.
