Technological innovation in food supply chains: systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the literature on innovation and the food supply chain to synthesise and explore their interactions, determining what it is known and what gaps there are in the knowledge regarding these subjects.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of technological innovation and the food supply chain was conducted based on the Methodi Ordinatio protocol. This method seeks to select and rank papers according to their scientific relevance.

Findings

This study has highlighted the importance of research focused on specific matters, such as food packaging, integration, Big Data and bio-economy. Considering the stages of innovation, the portfolio has focused mainly on innovations’ generation. As for adoption, the multiple obstacles responsible for the few successful innovations were highlighted. Adopting these innovations has become complex, with a high level of failure and several critical points, ranging from the level of research to acceptance and purchase, with consumer indifference and even negative positions towards innovation.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the debate about innovations in the food supply chain, providing a research agenda.

Citation

Cappellesso, G. and Thomé, K.M. (2019), "Technological innovation in food supply chains: systematic literature review", British Food Journal, Vol. 121 No. 10, pp. 2413-2428. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-03-2019-0160