Sammanfattning

Achieving transition towards sustainable and resilient food systems is a critical issue on the current societal agenda. This study examined the potential contribution of digitalization of the food system to such transition by reviewing 76 relevant journal articles, indexed on the Scopus database, using the integrative literature review approach and descriptive content analysis with MAXQDA 2020 software. 'Blockchain' was the top hit among keywords and main concepts applied to the food system. The UK as a country and Europe as a continent were found to lead the scientific research on food system digitalization. Use of digital technologies such as blockchain, the Internet of Things, big-data analytics, artificial intelligence, and related information and communications technologies were identified as enablers. Traceability, sustainability, resilience to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and reducing food waste were among the key benefit areas associated with digitalization for different food commodities. Challenges to practical applications related to infrastructure and cost, knowledge and skill, law and regulations, the nature of the technologies, and the nature of the food system were identified. Developing policies and regulations, supporting infrastructure development, and educating and training people could facilitate fuller digitalization of the food system.

Nyckelord

agro-food supply chain management; blockchain; digitalization; IoT; sustainability; sustainable food system; traceability

Publicerad i

Sustainability
2021, Volym: 13, nummer: 21, artikelnummer: 12181
Utgivare: MDPI

SLU författare

• Gebresenbet, Girma

  • Institutionen för energi och teknik, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

Associerade SLU-program

Food Waste


Globala målen

Avskaffa hunger, uppnå tryggad livsmedelsförsörjning och förbättrad nutrition samt främja ett hållbart jordbruk
Bygga motståndskraftig infrastruktur, verka för en inkluderande och hållbar industrialisering samt främja innovation
Säkerställa hållbara konsumtions- och produktionsmönster


UKÄ forskningsämne

Tvärvetenskapliga studier
Systemvetenskap, informationssystem och informatik med samhällsvetenskaplig inriktning


Publikationens identifierare

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112181

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/114465