Abstract :
Objectives: Innovation process at Ege University Faculty of Agriculture, aims to reveal institutional and individual innovative features and to develop suggestions for improving the process. Material and Methods: In this study; the innovation process in Aegean University Faculty of Agriculture (EUZF) has been investigated by using the data collected from 112 academicians through the questionnaire. The data were interpreted by employing percentages, averages, T-test, regression analysis, factor analysis. Results: Some of the personal characteristics of academicians, their thoughts on Faculty education, research objectives, information and funding sources were identified. About 14% of the research findings in EUZF are adopted by farmers/target groups. The innovation process (from idea to the farmer’s field) takes 10.1 years. According to the result of factor analysis; organizational innovative components of the Faculty were defined into four factor groups as creative-sharing philosophy, research features, communication and trust. Despite being considered globally in the decision of course content and research topics in the Faculty, they are not treated locally. Conclusion: In the innovation process, local problems and priorities should be considered as opportunities for original ideas. Observed entropy obstructs innovative culture in the Faculty. For improving the innovation process; participatory, flexible and learning organization culture should be internalized. Transparent management approach, trustable working environment, healthy information sharing, team work, clearly defined targets, rapid support to projects, use of new techniques/ technologies in research, monitoring of contributions of research results, diversity in funding sources and strong relationship with sector will provide the sustainability of innovative culture in the Faculty.
