Digital transformation frameworks for food supply chains

Abstract

Food supply chains (FSCs) face various challenges due to diverse ongoing global events, leading to increasing concerns and a growing need for technological innovations as solutions. Thus, Industry 4.0 technologies and their capabilities are utilised to address challenges in the food sector, aiming to drive agility and consumer responsiveness. In the thesis, the process of transforming from a traditional FSC to a digital one by implementing emerging technologies is defined as the digital transformation of the FSC, especially utilising the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing (CC) and big data analytics (BDA). However, research on the integration of emerging Industry 4.0 technologies within FSCs remains limited, and most food companies are still in the early stages of this transformation journey. In addition, due to the complexity of the various Industry 4.0 technologies, organisations often struggle to assess their capabilities and the contexts in which they can be effectively utilised. Therefore, prior to anything else, it is necessary to comprehend and clarify the current state of emerging technology utilisation in the real-world FSC business. Companies are seeking to use maturity models as practical tools to evaluate the current situation and identify potential strategies to facilitate their digital transformation progress. Nevertheless, existing maturity models, particularly those related to digital supply chains, often lack a holistic view of the digital transformation process, especially within the context of FSCs. Furthermore, many of these models fall short in offering prescriptive guidance on how to enhance maturity levels. To address these research gaps, a systematic literature review (SLR) is conducted as the first paper of the thesis to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to enable the digital transformation in FSCs, emphasising the integrated utilisation of IoT, CC and BDA and their equal importance to reflect the entire data management process. Based on the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, a digital transformation implementation framework was developed from the SLR findings, which also outlined clear directions for future empirical research. Following the SLR, empirical studies were conducted to evaluate and enhance digital transformation maturity within FSCs. Accordingly, the second paper developed an evidence-based maturity model by conducting thirty semi-structured interviews with senior professionals from the food industry. This maturity model advanced from a conceptual stage to an evidence-based one, employing the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework to identify key measurement dimensions and the Business Process Orientation Maturity Model (BPOMM) to classify maturity levels. Also, three propositions offered actionable insights for food organisations to progress in their digital transformation journeys. Building on the evidence-based maturity model used as an evaluation tool, the third paper established a maturity improvement framework for digital transformation in FSCs, guided by the DOI theory. This prescriptive framework, developed through multiple case studies and validated in a workshop, comprises a unified seven-step process (initiation planning, alignment, preparation, configuration, pilot testing, scaling, and sustaining) with key actions to support each step. With the findings from three papers, the thesis contributes to multiple perspectives, including theoretical, practical, methodological, contextual and empirical evidence. The thesis offers a holistic perspective on the emerging topic of digital transformation in FSCs, particularly by investigating the integration of IoT, CC, and BDA as foundational innovation pillars, and by emphasising their equal significance. It also extends the application of existing theories, applying them to the digital transformation context. The use of the context–intervention–mechanism–outcome (CIMO) logic effectively connects the innovation process from DOI theory with the digital transformation journey, offering deeper insight into how emerging technologies are driving the shift from traditional to digital FSCs. Furthermore, the evidence-based digital transformation maturity model enriches all three dimensions of the TOE framework, supported by empirical evidence from the food industry, enhancing the understanding of digital transformation. The DOI theory is also extended by including the "sustaining" step in the maturity improvement process, which indicates the necessity for maintaining a higher maturity level with requirements to align with the ever-evolving nature of digital transformation. Practically, this thesis benefits different stakeholder groups, including FSC practitioners, policymakers, and third-party service providers. The developed frameworks help FSC practitioners clearly assess their digital transformation progress, offering strategic guidance and practical solutions to shape their digital roadmaps and operational improvements. Policymakers can also use the findings to accelerate digital transformation in the food sector by obtaining practical insights from the thesis, designing relevant standards and regulations for adopting emerging technologies and establishing targeted incentives to foster a digital culture. Furthermore, third parties gain insights into the evolving needs of their FSC clients. Ultimately, the thesis raises awareness across the food industry and encourages broader engagement in digital transformation efforts.