Innovation Value Chain Status of Government Co-operative Supporting Organisations in Tanzania

Abstract

Managing innovation processes is a crucial facet of organisations. Contemporary global competition has necessitated
organisations aiming at becoming and remaining vibrant to invest in innovation as a key competitive tool for their survival and growth. For innovation outputs to be realised, organisations need to establish and maintain effective innovation chains or processes by generating ideas, converting and disseminating them to targeted users. The paper assesses the innovation value chain status of
government co-operative supporting organisations (GCSOs) in Tanzania. The study adopted a case study research design whereby five cases were picked. Primary data were collected using focus group discussions (FGDs), key informants’ interviews (KIs), documentary review and non-participant observation. Data were analysed using content analysis. The Atlas.ti computer software facilitated the analysis of data from FGDs and KIs. Findings show that the innovation value chains of most of the studied GCSOs were weak. Moreover, the innovation value chains of most organisations were poorly linked towards disseminating innovations to primary cooperative societies (PCSOs). It is concluded that, given the weak and poorly linked innovation value chains amongst most of the studied GCSOs, few innovations are likely to be disseminated from such organisations to end-users. Therefore, it is recommended that GCSOs need to strengthen the innovation value chains through genuine allocation and prioritisation of resources. Deliberate efforts such as setting up innovation units to enhance innovation activities within GCSOs are also recommended.