How can big data and predictive analytics impact the performance and competitive advantage of the food waste and recycling industry?

Big data and predictive analytics (BDPA) techniques have been deployed in several areas of research to enhance individuals’ quality of living and business performance. The emergence of big data has made recycling and waste management easier and more efficient. The growth in worldwide food waste has led to vital economic, social, and environmental effects, and has gained the interest of researchers. Although previous studies have explored the influence of big data on industrial performance, this issue has not been explored in the context of recycling and waste management in the food industry. In addition, no studies have explored the influence of BDPA on the performance and competitive advantage of the food waste and the recycling industry. Specifically, the impact of big data on environmental and economic performance has received little attention. This research develops a new model based on the resource-based view, technology-organization-environment, and human organization technology theories to address the gap in this research area. Partial least squares structural equation modeling is used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that both the human factor, represented by employee knowledge, and environmental factor, represented by competitive pressure, are essential drivers for evaluating the BDPA adoption by waste and recycling organizations. In addition, the impact of BDPA adoption on competitive advantage, environmental performance, and economic performance are significant. The results indicate that BDPA capability enhances an organization’s competitive advantage by enhancing its environmental and economic performance. This study presents decision-makers with important insights into the imperative factors that influence the competitive advantage of food waste and recycling organizations within the market.