Crafting inclusive value chains: a comparison of two cases of biotrade in South America

The article analyzes the configuration of networks of innovation in two cases of inclusive biotrade value chains: The production of spicy sauces with Amazonian fruits in Colombia and the production of perfumes in Brazil, based on oily essences originating from a dry forest in Ecuador. Through the integration of theoretical perspectives, the authors highlight both the economic and socio-cultural elements that impinge on the performance of these networks. This enables them to consider the tensions, synergies and contradictions between market logics and local socio-cultural practices, meanings and values. Drawing lessons from the cases, the authors aim to contribute to the theoretical discussion on how (inclusive) value chains are socially and economically constructed, and how their performance is related to innovation networks.