Creating spaces for change: Boundary work in emerging agri-food value chains

The article draws on the notion of boundary work to explore innovation in emerging agri-food value chains. Based on a six-year action research study, we examined boundary work among value chain actors and interventions that enabled the reconfiguration of boundaries through learning and collaboration. Illustrated by micro cases, the findings conceptualize three modes of boundary work, which include (1) uncovering knowledge to build a shared understanding of the local food sector, (2) creating and integrating domain knowledge to improve professional practices, and (3) negotiating and implementing shared strategies for value creation. Additionally, the article emphasizes the need for higher-level boundary work that enables practices for value creation through purposeful interventions, as a form of configurational boundary work. The study serves as an example of creating spaces for change in local agri-food systems and enhances the understanding of learning and innovation in such inter-organizational settings.