How can digitalisation contribute to sustainability of business models in agri-food value chains? A systematic literature review

The expectations of digital technologies in sustainable agricultural development are considerable. However, applying these technologies in agri-food value chains can have downsides, which are still barely studied. The main objectives of this systematic literature review were to discover the state of the art of the research in the use of digital technologies in business models contributing to sustainability in the agri-food sector, and to make recommendations for future research and management practice. In order to bring concepts together and develop a theoretical framework and advance knowledge, performing a literature review is conducive. Here, the commonly-used PRISMA-method was used to develop a systematic literature review. From this review, an overview of business model innovations, and drivers, benefits and drawbacks of digitalisation in agri-food value chains were distinguished. Key themes found in the literature were the effects of COVID-19 on digitalisation and business resilience, the economic sustainability of business models, and the importance of communication technologies in agri-food value chains. This article recommends for future research and management practice to use a framework that looks through a value co-creation and open innovation perspective to the individual business model level and the interaction between (sustainable) business models in local and global food systems.