International Journal of Knowledge, Innovation and Entrepreneurship V. 7, No. 3, 2019, pp. 67—84
Purpose: This paper assesses the capabilities of GCSOs in dissemination of innova-
tions to primary co-operative societies (PCSos) in Tanzania.
Design/Methodology: The study adopted a case study research design whereby five
cases were picked. Primary data were collected using key informants (KIs) interviews,
focus group discussions (FGDs), documentary review and direct observation. Docu-
mented data were analysed using content analysis. The Atlas.ti computer software was
used in analysing data from KIs and FGDs.
Findings: The study revealed that most GCSOs have important resources but were
unutilised for innovation activities. There were also lack of incentives to support inno-
vation activities amongst GCSOs executives and personnel and lack of formal and
comprehensive systems to reward innovation activities. Moreover, the study estab-
lished weak innovations progression from lower node of innovation chains to higher
ones. This scenario was coupled with neither institutionalised nor user-oriented ap-
proaches regarding innovations dissemination. The study recommends that GCSOs
executives should work to mobilise more internal resources to enable more innova-
tions dissemination activities. They should also work to strengthen their innovation
value chains by ensuring resources commitment and work to ensure deliberate inclu-
sive efforts in engaging innovations users (PCSos) at all stages of the innovation chain
activities.
Limitations: The study covered GCSOs only as they have been receiving direct gov-
ernment resources to support among other things innovation activities unlike other
member-based and private organisations operating in Tanzania. Similarly, the study
captured the GCSOs capabilities aspects within the key innovation value chain pro-
cesses only.
Originality/value: The paper assessed GCSOs capabilities in innovations dissemina-
tion and proposes strategic measures necessary to ensure more innovations dissemina-
tion to end-users.