Abstract Farm succession is a process socially built from the preparation of the successor and the farm to meet a family business’ expectations. This study aimed to identify how social capital, absorptive capacity, and socioeconomic characteristics influence farm succession. The survey was conducted sampling 82 soybean and corn Brazilian farmers. The questionnaire measured socioeconomic characteristics, Absorptive Capacity (AC), and Social Capital (SC). To test the influence of AC, SC, and socioeconomic characteristics on farm succession, Spearman correlation coefficient (rs) was performed. Results showed that the absorptive capacity can influence farm succession through acquisition, assimilation, use, and transformation of external knowledge into decision making, supporting the definition of successors. Results also suggested that social capital plays an important role to form relationship networks, stimulating discussions, and supporting the designation of successors. The socioeconomic characteristics ‘percentage of family income from the farm, participation in courses and lectures, and being a cooperatives member’ also presented a significant positive correlation with farm succession. Issues related to the capacity to absorb external knowledge, social and symbolic capital and generational transference can be fundamental in the continuity of the family farming business.

O presente estudo faz uma revisão crítica da literatura sobre a mudança tecnológica na agricultura e uma breve descrição da abordagem alternativa do crescimento agrícola. Na literatura tradicional, apresentam-se a difusão tecnológica, o dualismo produtivo e a inovação induzida. Na visão dinâmica, mostra-se a abordagem alternativa do crescimento agrícola, bem como a importância das inovações e da capacidade de absorção de conhecimentos. A grande limitação dos estudos tradicionais, ao abordarem o crescimento agrícola, é a ausência de explicações da busca tecnológica e do processo de aprendizado. A compreensão do setor agrícola deve identificar que nem todo o desenvolvimento tecnológico e geração de novos conhecimentos estão cristalizados nos insumos produtivos. A agricultura não funciona por meio de agentes receptores passivos de tecnologias. O processo de inovação na agricultura é estruturado dentro de complexos arranjos produtivos e de instituições (públicas e privadas) promotoras do conhecimento. Os investimentos e as atividades de experimentação são exercidos dentro da unidade produtiva, gerando maior estoque de conhecimento e ampla capacidade de absorção, além de estimular a apropriação privada dos ganhos produtivos.<br>This paper presents a critical review on the literature related to technological change in agriculture, and makes a brief description of the alternative approach for agricultural growth. In the traditional literature, technological diffusion, productive dualism and induced innovation are studied. In the dynamic view, the alternative approach of agricultural growth is discussed together with the importance of innovation process and the ability to explore external knowledge. The major limitation of traditional thinking about agricultural growth is the absence of explanations on innovation and learning process. The agricultural sector must recognize that not all technological development and new knowledge come with the acquisition of inputs. Agriculture does not cater to the means of agents who will simply be the receptors of technology. The innovation process within agriculture is organized through complex, production systems, as well as institutions, both private and public, which promote knowledge. Investments and experimentation activities occur within the unit of production, thus creating a wider knowledge stock and a larger absorptive capacity, in addition to fostering the private appropriation of productive gains.