Stimulants and barriers in the innovative activity of the educational farms in Poland

Purpose – The aim of the study is to indicate the main determinants and barriers that affect the innovative activity of educational farms located in the rural areas of Poland. A review of domestic and foreign literature and a survey conducted among the described entities helped to achieve this goal. Research method – The first part of the article discusses the literature on the multifunctionality of agriculture. The second part deals with the subject of innovation and describes educational farms located in the rural areas of Poland and their activities in the context of innovation. The third part is devoted to empirical research based on the analysis of questionnaires. Results – The conducted analysis of available materials proves that the examined entities show activity in all areas of innovation, however, they define it to a different degree. Originality /value / implications /recommendations - The article implies the need to work on harmonizing the definition of innovation, as it is still perceived by many respondents as a process of modification of production factors closely related to technological innovation.