Context:

The value chain in the production process of a good involves the strategic and coordinated interaction of external and internal agents in the value generation process. Palm oil is a globally relevant product that is part of a dynamic sector in terms of its production and commercialization by multiple companies, so it is necessary to understand how knowledge is obtained, managed, and transferred to remain in a highly competitive market.

Methodology:

A case study methodology was developed based on the information from 65 semi-structured surveys applied to commercial and non-commercial agents in the sector, which was contrasted through Denzen’s triangulation method, analyzed by means of descriptive and open coding, and finally interpreted through a process of purification and categorization of the compiled information.

Results:

The specialized knowledge requirements of producers to improve their efficiency and mitigate the environmental impacts derived from the production process are managed by a centralizing agent who administers the processes of knowledge generation and transfer.

Conclusions:

Scientific institutions in charge of generating and transferring knowledge as well as organizations responsible for environmental regulation operate in a restricted and discriminatory manner with producers due to their limitations in terms of resource availability and geographical location.