MCCHE Convergent Innovation Webinar Series with Gianluca Brunori & Monica Truninger
The Transformative Potential of Short Food Supply Chains: Digitalization, Sustainability and Equality From a Meso Lens
Gianluca Brunori & Monica Truninger
Full Professor at the University of Pisa/ Principal Researcher at the Instituto de Ci锚ncias
Sociais (ICS), University of Lisbon
Abstract
Short food supply chains (SFSCs) can be seen as meso arrangements that link producers, retailers, and consumers through different coordination devices. SFSCs are increasingly recognized as potential drivers of transformation within global food systems. By shortening the distance鈥攂oth physical and relational鈥攂etween producers and consumers, SFSCs challenge dominant, highly centralized supply structures and open space for alternative modes of production, distribution, and consumption. SFSCs encompass a wide range of business models and governance patterns and this plurality enables experimentation with new forms of coordination, value distribution, and stakeholder participation. From a systemic perspective, the development of SFSCs may also stimulate adaptation among large food system actors, particularly supermarkets and other major retailers. Rather than being displaced, these actors may integrate more diversified sourcing and distribution patterns, incorporating shorter and more territorially embedded supply arrangements within their operations. However, the sustainability potential often associated with SFSCs does not automatically translate into greater social justice and equality. Digitalization can either increase inequalities or support more equitable food system transformations. Traceability systems based on shared and accessible data infrastructures can enable greater transparency and coordination among all components of the system. Digital tools can facilitate more direct linkages between producers and consumers, strengthen trust, and support the development of more distributed and participatory food supply networks. At the same time, however, whether digital tools enable access to local food or deepen existing inequalities remains an open question, raising further concerns about the energy and water demands associated with maintaining digital infrastructures.
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Convergent Innovation Webinar Series features cutting edge science, technology and innovation in agriculture, food, environment, education, medicine and other domains of everyday life where grand challenges lie at the convergence of health and economics. Powered by data science, artificial intelligence, and other digital technologies, this disciplinary knowledge bridges with behavioural, social, humanities, business, economics, social, engineering, and complexity sciences to accelerate real-world solution at scale, be it in digital or physical contexts. Initiated in the agri-food domain, the series is now encompassing other grand challenges facing modern and traditional economies and societies, such as ensuring lifelong wellness and resilience at both the individual and population levels.
