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Exploring digitalisation in the agri-food sector and its paradoxes: Evidence from a comparative study with small French companies

Author

Listed:
  • Mathilde Aubry

    (Métis Lab EM Normandie - EM Normandie - École de Management de Normandie)

  • Ben Hamadi

    (Métis Lab EM Normandie - EM Normandie - École de Management de Normandie)

  • Roland Condor

    (Métis Lab EM Normandie - EM Normandie - École de Management de Normandie)

  • Nazik Fadil

    (Métis Lab EM Normandie - EM Normandie - École de Management de Normandie)

  • Christine Fournes

    (Métis Lab EM Normandie - EM Normandie - École de Management de Normandie)

Abstract

This paper discusses the results of a study on the digitalisation of the agri-food sector in a French region characterised by small-and medium-sized farms. Our results, which rely on a survey comparing digital practices in the agri-food sector with other sectors, reveal a paradox. While digitalisation is mostly perceived as a panacea capable of increasing agricultural productivity while respecting the planet, it is not widespread in the agri-food sector and even less than in other sectors of the same size. At the same time, the perceived impact of digitalisation is also lower than in other sectors. To increase the digitalisation of this sector, two elements emerge from our results: both the implementation of a global digital transformation strategy and membership of a professional association are required. Here, we refer to a broad definition of digitalisation, which includes organisational and social aspects, and does not only address technological dimensions. Our study challenges the technocentric and productive vision of digitalisation. It suggests that farmers' institutional environments and policies need to take a more holistic view of digitalisation to provide increased sense and generate engagement.

Suggested Citation

  • Mathilde Aubry & Ben Hamadi & Roland Condor & Nazik Fadil & Christine Fournes, 2022. "Exploring digitalisation in the agri-food sector and its paradoxes: Evidence from a comparative study with small French companies," Post-Print hal-04430806, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04430806
    DOI: 10.7896/j.2305
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04430806
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Regina Birner & Thomas Daum & Carl Pray, 2021. "Who drives the digital revolution in agriculture? A review of supply‐side trends, players and challenges," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 43(4), pages 1260-1285, December.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Empirical study; Organisational impact; Small business; Farms; Agri-food sectors; Digitalisation;
    All these keywords.

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