The Challenge of Sustainable Innovation in Agri-Food Supply Chains
Organizing Supply Chain Processes for Sustainable Innovation in the Agri-Food Industry
ISBN: 978-1-78635-488-4, eISBN: 978-1-78635-487-7
Publication date: 20 August 2016
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter introduces the volume’s theme by describing the challenges of sustainability in the agri-food industry and the critical role of agri-food supply chains. Following a description of traditional and sustainable supply chain management practices, we discuss the likely characteristics of sustainability-oriented innovations and how organizations pursuing higher levels of economic, social, and environmental performance will need to adapt their capabilities.
Methodology/approach
Drawing on the emerging concepts and practices from sustainable supply chain management as well as traditional and emerging concepts from innovation, we develop general propositions and expectations about how organizations might address sustainable effectiveness in their supply chains. The importance of the agri-food industry to all three pillars of sustainable effectiveness and predictions about the inability to feed future populations gives the discussion a certain urgency.
Findings
Sustainability-oriented innovations in the agri-food supply chain are different from traditional innovations. We develop propositions regarding the driving motivations, their nature and scope (i.e., more radical and systemic than incremental and focused), and the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach. The 10 cases presented in the volume are summarized.
Keywords
Citation
Cagliano, R., Worley, C.G. and Caniato, F.F.A. (2016), "The Challenge of Sustainable Innovation in Agri-Food Supply Chains", Organizing Supply Chain Processes for Sustainable Innovation in the Agri-Food Industry (Organizing for Sustainable Effectiveness, Vol. 5), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-30. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2045-060520160000005009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016 Emerald Group Publishing Limited