Abstract

This study examines the growing role of innovation brokers in promoting the transition to circular business models (CBMs) within the Italian agrifood sector. Building on prior research that focused on organisational networks and circularity, our empirical exploration was initially designed to examine CBMs through semi-structured interviews. However, during fieldwork, an unexpected theme emerged: the central role of a consultancy agency functioning as an innovation broker, actively enabling early-stage collaboration among various players in the supply chain. This evidence re-framed our analytical lens, highlighting the strategic facilitation performed by innovation brokers. These players exemplify the Tertius Iungens approach, actively bridging structural holes, cultivating trust among heterogeneous stakeholders, and orchestrating collaboration across fragmented value chains. In this paper, we present preliminary results through Gephi-based visualisations of the one-to-one relationships established by the innovation broker (consultancy agency) with individual organisations (players in the agri-food supply chain). These initial mappings provide the basis for developing a comprehensive network representation that aims to identify emerging sub-projects and collaborative clusters within the major initiative. By shedding light on the relational mechanisms underpinning early circular transitions, this study contributes to the understanding of how innovation brokers enable systemic change across organisational and inter-organisational levels (potentially catalysing the sustainability transition in complex ecosystems). This work aims to offer actionable implications for practitioners and policymakers seeking to foster resilient, inclusive, and circular agri-food ecosystems.

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