The institutional approach leads to an inquiry into the historical conformation of state innovation systems, from a point of view that relates it to the history of science, but is especially interested in the forms adopted by the institutional framework in different state and international contexts. , which is also linked to the study of agricultural policies in its technological aspect. At this point, the role of scientists and technicians is of interest both in the definition of their proposals and in the relationship with the agrarian social environment where they have to develop. 

The type and chain of innovations adopted by the production system in each context are a necessary research guide, as well as the channels followed by the innovative process: commercial, training, associative, etc. Of particular interest is the study of the innovative social environment, farmers as individual and collective subjects that resist some innovations and incorporate others, when they can, as well as the forced (green revolution) or voluntary nature of innovation (peasant friendly). Ultimately we want to investigate the social logics and the productive sense of innovation: investigating who benefits and who harms historically. HISTAGRA has been a pioneer in the History of technological change in agriculture for three decades.

This line is divided into two subfields: 

- Transformations in small-farm Atlantic agriculture: property, agricultural policy and the environment 

- Technological change and innovation systems: Organic agriculture, green revolution and sustainability