How can agrifood businesses improve their performance? The role of digital transformation
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 12 February 2024
Issue publication date: 15 March 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to analyse the moderating effect of digital transformation (DT) on the relationship between innovation capacity and the performance of agrifood businesses.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a structured questionnaire, data on 98 agrifood small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Spain were collected. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling to test the proposed model and study the moderating effect of DT on the relationship between the innovation capacity and performance of agrifood businesses.
Findings
The study finds support for the hypotheses and shows the existence of a direct positive relationship between the DT and performance of agrifood businesses. Developing new practices focussed on customer service and performing actions such as improving sales, promoting a new product or service and including a post-sales service influence the capacity of a business to undertake DT.
Research limitations/implications
Future studies should include other factors in the analysis. For example, the impact of knowledge transfer and research and development (R&D) on agrifood businesses' performance should be studied. Education and training, as well as having a diverse network, can help develop and boost businesses' capacity to use and apply the required innovation. Networks play an important role in learning how to apply DT.
Originality/value
This quantitative study is the first to examine the moderating effect of DT in the Spanish agrifood sector on the relationship between innovation capacity and performance. The study examines the role of the DT of companies and explores the competitiveness and efficiency tools that digitalisation offers. Innovation capacity is crucial for the application of these tools.
Keywords
Citation
Benavides-Espinosa, M.d.M., Ribeiro-Soriano, D. and Gieure, C. (2024), "How can agrifood businesses improve their performance? The role of digital transformation", British Food Journal, Vol. 126 No. 4, pp. 1682-1697. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-06-2022-0541
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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