The transition of food systems towards sustainability: The role of digitalization

The paper explores the complex relationship between digital and ecological transitions, particularly focusing on their interdependence and potential to drive sustainability. It acknowledges that digitalization, while offering numerous benefits such as efficiency and scalability, does not inherently...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Gianluca Brunori
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: FrancoAngeli 2024-12-01
Series:Economia Agro-Alimentare
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.francoangeli.it/index.php/ecagoa/article/view/17771
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The paper explores the complex relationship between digital and ecological transitions, particularly focusing on their interdependence and potential to drive sustainability. It acknowledges that digitalization, while offering numerous benefits such as efficiency and scalability, does not inherently lead to sustainability. The text highlights three critical aspects influencing digitalization’s impact: the design of digital solutions, access to these solutions, and the complexity of systems integrating digital technologies. Challenges such as the risk of exacerbating inequalities and the necessity for comprehensive governance to mitigate negative effects are discussed. The paper also delves into the digital transition within the agri-food sector, emphasizing the contrast between conventional agriculture and agroecological approaches, which prioritize diversity and resilience. It argues that digital tools can support more sustainable and diverse agricultural practices if correctly aligned with ecological principles. Finally, the text calls for targeted innovation policies to ensure that digital transition contributes effectively to ecological goals, suggesting that a thoughtful and directed approach is essential for realizing the transformative potential of digitalization in fostering a sustainable future.
ISSN:1126-1668
1972-4802