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The influence of information sources on inter- and intra-firm diffusion: evidence from UK farming

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  • Waters, James

Abstract

We study the effect of different information sources on diffusion between and within companies. Our model of economically optimising farmers replicates results from dual process persuasion theory, and predicts that inter-firm diffusion will be primarily affected by reliable, easily accessible information while intra-firm diffusion will be influenced by technical information. The results are tested on UK farming data. Consistent with our model, information from agents, suppliers, farmers, and agricultural magazines influences inter-firm adoption, from buyers influences intra-firm adoption, and from crop consultants, academics, government, and an industry body influences both.

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  • Waters, James, 2013. "The influence of information sources on inter- and intra-firm diffusion: evidence from UK farming," MPRA Paper 50955, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:50955
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Innovation; Intra-firm diffusion; Information acquisition; Organic farming; Dual process persuasion theory;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets
    • Q16 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - R&D; Agricultural Technology; Biofuels; Agricultural Extension Services

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