Assessment of innovation factors in Lithuanian small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises

Abstract

Research background: Today, innovation is becoming not only a source of competitive advantage for agriculture but also a crucial prerequisite for survival. Most of the innovations mentioned in the literature focus on the production of agricultural products but it is also necessary to apply innovations aimed at the storage and maintenance of the products already produced. Agricultural innovativeness is of comprehensive benefit to the state, and it is therefore important to assess the degree of innovativeness of Lithuanian small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises and the factors that promote it. Purpose of the article: The main aim of this paper is to assess the factors influencing the innovativeness of Lithuanian agriculture. Methods: To fulfill the aim of the paper, the methods of comparative analysis of scientific literature, questionnaire survey (quantitative research), descriptive statistics, correlation, and factor analysis were used. Findings & Value added: The results of the study showed that both the environmental and economic aspects of innovation are important for small and medium farmers. Only some of the innovations identified in the theoretical part do not have any interest among farmers at all (e.g., the current relevance of participation in block systems). Most organizational innovations also receive minimal interest. Young farmers were found to be less likely to innovate and more constrained by various barriers to innovation.