Research agenda for SMEs in electronic platforms for the European food industry

Dieser Beitrag ist mit Zustimmung des Rechteinhabers aufgrund einer (DFG geförderten) Allianz- bzw. Nationallizenz frei zugänglich.This publication is with permission of the rights owner freely accessible due to an Alliance licence and a national licence (funded by the DFG, German Research Foundation) respectively.Purpose – This paper sets out to provide a consensus position on the potential for the inclusion of small businesses in electronic platforms in the food industry. Design/methodology/approach – The consensus was derived through a Delphi-type series of questions in an open forum of academics and industrialists across Europe. Findings – The consensus reached was of the proven benefits of electronic platforms for small businesses and the need for further research to assess how small businesses can incorporate electronic traceability and supply chain management systems into their existing operations. Practical implications – Electronic platforms are spreading rapidly in the food industry. However, there is some concern that small businesses are not aware of the potential for electronic supply chains such as the potential that electronic traceability offers smaller networks to supply highly demanded food quality attributes such as organic production and regional foods. Originality/value – The paper addresses the highly topical issue of food origin with a new approach to the supply technologies behind the product.EC/FP6/7124/EU/E-PLATFORM TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE EUROPEAN AGRO-FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN/E-MENS