Papa Andina has developed and utilized several approaches and strategies to promote innovation. Over time, it has shifted its approach from a traditional one of technology generation and transfer, to one that facilitates innovation processes. In this transition the emphasis has shifted from a technical regional agenda, towards social learning and collective knowledge building. This shift has represented a change in the paradigm that guides Papa Andina’s research and development activities, from one focused on identifying and overcoming production constraints to one focused on identifying and exploiting market opportunities.
Papa Andina has put special emphasis on fostering technological innovation within the context of productive chains and taking into account the needs and interests of all the actors along the chain. In this work, the emphasis is not on identifying common problems , but opportunities that can be resolved through collective action. A Participatory Market Chain Approach (PMCA) has been developed for identifying and exploiting new business opportunities that can benefit the poor. In the PMCA, representatives of research and development organizations and market chain actors work together to identify potential business opportunities and develop innovations that benefit the poor, while at the same time pursuing their individual interests.
Another approach promoted by Papa Andina is the construction of the Stakeholder Platforms, entities that involve producers, research and development organizations and market chain actors come together share their knowledge and points of view, learn, negotiate, and agree on joint activities to undertake.