DIGITAL VALUE CHAINS – AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD INDUSTRY

Abstract

This research examines the potential impact of (decentral) digital technologies on value chains in the agriculture and food industry. A mixed methods approach/triangulation is used to capture research insights as this field of research is rather premature. Thus, research is done via intensively reviewing existing literature, case studies with actual examples in three sub-industries and in-depth expert interviews with experts that have different perspectives on the value chains of the industry. Findings show that value chain players might use (decentral) digital technologies to improve the positioning of products whereby sustainability can serve as key theme. Additionally, (decentral) digital technologies might have the potential to improve transparency and efficiency but are not likely to substitute incumbent value chain roles based on this exploratory research.