IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/tefoso/v218y2025ics0040162525002227.html

Understanding digital capabilities and their impacts on Australian agri-food supply chain resilience: Engineering vs. socio-ecological thinking

Author

Listed:
  • Taghikhah, Firouzeh Rosa
  • Prior, Daniel D
  • Hafezi, Reza
  • Baker, Derek
  • Matous, Petr

Abstract

Many agri-food supply chains (SCs) are vulnerable to sudden disruptions (i.e., shocks), which can have devastating impacts. SC member firms’ digital capabilities (as routinized and integrated resource bundles) have the potential to address these challenges, yet their nature and differentiated impacts on engineering versus socio-ecological resilience are not well understood in the present literature. The purpose of this study is to address these gaps. First, a comprehensive taxonomy of five digital capabilities (labelled LogisticsTech, SecureData, ClientValue, InsightDecision, and InnovateTech) is developed, along with a set of nine resilience criteria/sub-criteria useful for resiliency evaluation. This was achieved through using a narrative literature review, a content analysis, validated by a Delphi study, and semi-structured interviews. Second, the relative impacts of these capabilities on resilience are assessed through pairwise comparison, network analysis, and system dynamics modelling across six Australian agri-food SCs (Grains, Red Meat, Dairy, Horticulture, Seafood, and Wine). The study findings reveal that Australian agri-food SC members’ digital capabilities play distinct but interconnected roles in enhancing resilience, with their impact varying across persistence (engineering), adaptation, and transformation (socio-ecological) over different time frames. LogisticsTech is crucial for short-term, while SecureData safeguards long-term persistence. Moreover, InsightDecision supports immediate adaptation, ClientValue facilitates long-term adaptation, and InnovateTech drives systemic transformation and future-ready SCs. The study offers strategic insights for managers and policymakers to align digital technology adoption with resilience objectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Taghikhah, Firouzeh Rosa & Prior, Daniel D & Hafezi, Reza & Baker, Derek & Matous, Petr, 2025. "Understanding digital capabilities and their impacts on Australian agri-food supply chain resilience: Engineering vs. socio-ecological thinking," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:218:y:2025:i:c:s0040162525002227
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124191
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162525002227
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124191?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to

    for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jayaram, Jayanth & Dixit, Mita & Motwani, Jaideep, 2014. "Supply chain management capability of small and medium sized family businesses in India: A multiple case study approach," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 147(PB), pages 472-485.
    2. Sabeen Hussain Bhatti & Wan Mohd Hirwani Wan Hussain & Jabran Khan & Shahbaz Sultan & Alberto Ferraris, 2024. "Exploring data-driven innovation: What’s missing in the relationship between big data analytics capabilities and supply chain innovation?," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 333(2), pages 799-824, February.
    3. Ritesh Ojha & Abhijeet Ghadge & Manoj Kumar Tiwari & Umit S. Bititci, 2018. "Bayesian network modelling for supply chain risk propagation," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 56(17), pages 5795-5819, September.
    4. Towfique Rahman & Sanjoy Kumar Paul & Renu Agarwal & Nagesh Shukla & Firouzeh Taghikhah, 2024. "A viable supply chain model for managing panic-buying related challenges: lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 62(10), pages 3415-3434, May.
    5. Abderahman Rejeb & John G. Keogh & Horst Treiblmaier, 2019. "Leveraging the Internet of Things and Blockchain Technology in Supply Chain Management," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-22, July.
    6. Taghikhah, Firouzeh & Voinov, Alexey & Shukla, Nagesh & Filatova, Tatiana & Anufriev, Mikhail, 2021. "Integrated modeling of extended agro-food supply chains: A systems approach," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 288(3), pages 852-868.
    7. Yang, Miying & Fu, Mingtao & Zhang, Zihan, 2021. "The adoption of digital technologies in supply chains: Drivers, process and impact," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).
    8. Behzadi, Golnar & O’Sullivan, Michael Justin & Olsen, Tava Lennon & Zhang, Abraham, 2018. "Agribusiness supply chain risk management: A review of quantitative decision models," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 21-42.
    9. Bengt-Åke Lundvall, 2007. "National Innovation Systems—Analytical Concept and Development Tool," Industry and Innovation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(1), pages 95-119.
    10. Maheshwari, Pratik & Kamble, Sachin & Belhadi, Amine & Venkatesh, Mani & Abedin, Mohammad Zoynul, 2023. "Digital twin-driven real-time planning, monitoring, and controlling in food supply chains," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    11. Aghababaei, Mohammad T. (Siavash) & Costello, Seosamh B. & Ranjitkar, Prakash, 2021. "Measures to evaluate post-disaster trip resilience on road networks," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    12. Ganjar Alfian & Muhammad Syafrudin & Jongtae Rhee, 2017. "Real-Time Monitoring System Using Smartphone-Based Sensors and NoSQL Database for Perishable Supply Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(11), pages 1-17, November.
    13. Zhao, Nanyang & Hong, Jiangtao & Lau, Kwok Hung, 2023. "Impact of supply chain digitalization on supply chain resilience and performance: A multi-mediation model," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).
    14. Latino, Maria Elena & Menegoli, Marta & Lazoi, Mariangela & Corallo, Angelo, 2022. "Voluntary traceability in food supply chain: a framework leading its implementation in Agriculture 4.0," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 178(C).
    15. Poulin, Craig & Kane, Michael B., 2021. "Infrastructure resilience curves: Performance measures and summary metrics," Reliability Engineering and System Safety, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    16. Marusak, Amy & Sadeghiamirshahidi, Narjes & Krejci, Caroline C. & Mittal, Anuj & Beckwith, Sue & Cantu, Jaime & Morris, Mike & Grimm, Jason, 2021. "Resilient regional food supply chains and rethinking the way forward: Key takeaways from the COVID-19 pandemic," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    17. Gomes, Leonardo Augusto de Vasconcelos & Facin, Ana Lucia Figueiredo & Salerno, Mario Sergio & Ikenami, Rodrigo Kazuo, 2018. "Unpacking the innovation ecosystem construct: Evolution, gaps and trends," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 30-48.
    18. El Bhilat, El Mehdi & El Jaouhari, Asmae & Hamidi, L. Saadia, 2024. "Assessing the influence of artificial intelligence on agri-food supply chain performance: the mediating effect of distribution network efficiency," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    19. Fu, Hao & Zhao, Cuiping & Cheng, Chuanxing & Ma, Mengyun, 2020. "Blockchain-based agri-food supply chain management: case study in China," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 23(5), February.
    20. Dmitry Ivanov & Alexandre Dolgui, 2020. "Viability of intertwined supply networks: extending the supply chain resilience angles towards survivability. A position paper motivated by COVID-19 outbreak," International Journal of Production Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(10), pages 2904-2915, May.
    21. Kumar, Anish & Mangla, Sachin Kumar & Kumar, Pradeep & Song, Malin, 2021. "Mitigate risks in perishable food supply chains: Learning from COVID-19," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 166(C).
    22. Saaty, Thomas L., 1990. "How to make a decision: The analytic hierarchy process," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 48(1), pages 9-26, September.
    23. Samuel Fosso Wamba & Angappa Gunasekaran & Rameshwar Dubey & Eric W. T. Ngai, 2018. "Big data analytics in operations and supply chain management," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 270(1), pages 1-4, November.
    24. Maria Elena Latino & Marta Menegoli & Maria Chiara De Lorenzi, 2024. "A pattern‐based tool to support companies in sustainability‐oriented business strategies: grounded theory research in agribusiness," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(4), pages 3348-3367, July.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Du, Weijian & Cheng, Cheng & Li, Mengjie, 2025. "Can listed company digitization reduce the risk of export failure? Evidence from multisource heterogeneous data in China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 103(C).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Agarwal, Reeti & Mehrotra, Ankit & Alofaysan, Hind & Mahto, Raj V., 2025. "Digital technologies and green infrastructure: Advancing a resilient circular supply chain," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    2. Paul, Ananna & Shukla, Nagesh & Trianni, Andrea, 2023. "Modelling supply chain sustainability challenges in the food processing sector amid the COVID-19 outbreak," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 87(PA).
    3. Zheng, Handong & Ye, Xin & Chen, Rongsheng & Chen, Yi, 2025. "Resilient high-end equipment manufacturing supply chain design with irreplaceable suppliers: An IFTOPSIS-MOMIP hybrid model," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
    4. Hongqin Tang & Jianping Zhu & Nan Li & Weipeng Wu, 2024. "Impact of Enterprise Supply Chain Digitalization on Cost of Debt: A Four-Flows Perspective Analysis Using Explainable Machine Learning Methodology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-27, October.
    5. Dmitry Ivanov, 2022. "Viable supply chain model: integrating agility, resilience and sustainability perspectives—lessons from and thinking beyond the COVID-19 pandemic," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 319(1), pages 1411-1431, December.
    6. Dmitry Ivanov, 2026. "Collaborative emergency adaptation for ripple effect mitigation in intertwined supply networks," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 359(2), pages 1727-1743, April.
    7. Najafi, Mehdi & Zolfagharinia, Hossein, 2024. "A Multi-objective integrated approach to address sustainability in a meat supply chain," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).
    8. Maureen S. Golan & Laura H. Jernegan & Igor Linkov, 2020. "Trends and applications of resilience analytics in supply chain modeling: systematic literature review in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 40(2), pages 222-243, June.
    9. Weixia Yang & Congli Xie & Lindong Ma, 2023. "Dose blockchain-based agri-food supply chain guarantee the initial information authenticity? An evolutionary game perspective," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 18(6), pages 1-23, June.
    10. Nishat Alam Choudhary & Shalabh Singh & Tobias Schoenherr & M. Ramkumar, 2023. "Risk assessment in supply chains: a state-of-the-art review of methodologies and their applications," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 322(2), pages 565-607, March.
    11. Seyedmohsen Hosseini & Dmitry Ivanov, 2022. "A new resilience measure for supply networks with the ripple effect considerations: a Bayesian network approach," Annals of Operations Research, Springer, vol. 319(1), pages 581-607, December.
    12. Lydia Novoszel & Tina Wakolbinger, 2022. "Meta-analysis of Supply Chain Disruption Research," SN Operations Research Forum, Springer, vol. 3(1), pages 1-25, March.
    13. Wang, Zirong & Gao, Liwei & Wang, Wanyu, 2025. "The impact of supply chain digitization and logistics efficiency on the competitiveness of industrial enterprises," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    14. Robertson, Jeandri & Caruana, Albert & Ferreira, Caitlin, 2023. "Innovation performance: The effect of knowledge-based dynamic capabilities in cross-country innovation ecosystems," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(2).
    15. Hou, Bin & Wang, Xinyu & Tang, Jiafu, 2026. "Identifying critical node set in supply chain network considering hybrid operational risk management," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 291(C).
    16. Gabriel Gomes Moreira & Robério José Rogério dos Santos & Victor Diogho Heuer de Carvalho & Francisco José Peixoto Rosário & Agnaldo José dos Santos, 2024. "Potential for Frugal Innovation in a Brazilian Regional System: A Study Based on a Multicriteria Approach," Societies, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-22, June.
    17. Luo, Shuangcheng & Xiong, Zhiqiao & Liu, Jianjiang, 2024. "How does supply chain digitization affect green innovation? Evidence from a quasi-natural experiment in China," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 136(C).
    18. An, Suxia & Gu, Yu & Pan, Lu & Yu, Ying, 2024. "Supply chain digitalization and firms' green innovation: Evidence from a pilot program," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 828-846.
    19. Ozdemir, Dilek & Sharma, Mahak & Dhir, Amandeep & Daim, Tugrul, 2022. "Supply chain resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    20. Pushpananthan, Gouthanan & Elmquist, Maria, 2022. "Joining forces to create value: The emergence of an innovation ecosystem," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:218:y:2025:i:c:s0040162525002227. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00401625 .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.