Postharvest research and development could make a valuable contribution to pro-poor rural development. Evidence suggests, however, that technological innovations need to be supplemented by institutional innovations that encourage broader participation from research and entrepreneurial and technology user sectors. Similarly, if pro-poor postharvest innovation is to be encouraged, greater attention will need to be given to the wider institutional context in which innovation takes place. As a way of exploring these issues, this paper presents the concept of a postharvest innovation system and explains the capacity-development view of research that this perspective brings. Examples of postharvest innovation systems are presented to illustrate the critical importance of partnerships and institutional contexts. Ways of implementing this in research programs are then discussed.