Exploring the Nexus of Digital Transformation and Sustainability in Agribusiness: Advancing a Research Agenda
Francesco APPIO, Maria Carmela Annosi, Esteban Brenes, Federica BrunettaThe development and diffusion of digital technologies are transforming industries, including the agrifood sector, which is experiencing significant changes driven by the "Digital Agriculture" era. This paper explores the intersection of digital transformation and sustainability in agribusiness, examining how digital technologies impact organizational economics, social and environmental issues. The new competitive environment created by digital transformation necessitates strategic revitalization, collaborative engagements, and the cultivation of new skills and competencies. Despite the potential of digitalization to foster efficiency and sustainability, its relationship with sustainability initiatives requires further investigation. We discuss the cognitive processes influencing digital technology adoption and their implications for sustainability, proposing a 2x2 matrix framework to categorize different levels of technology integration and sustainability outcomes. Contributions to this discussion are positioned within this matrix, providing comprehensive insights into their practical and theoretical implications. The paper concludes with a research agenda for future studies, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches to deepen the understanding of the nexus between digital transformation and sustainability in agribusiness.