The unit conducts research on these innovation processes, which are seen as individual and collective action processes on a technical and organizational level. It covers the whole of the process, from players' reasons for innovating up to the development effects generated by the innovations. It works in France and overseas , with numerous researchers and research projects worldwide. The UMR's interdisciplinary project is a pool of expertise in biotechnical sciences (agronomy) and social sciences (economics, sociology, anthropology, geography, management sciences, and law).