Cooperation and innovation in Italian agribusiness between theoretical analysis and empirical evidence

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected all economic sectors. The agri-food sector has also suffered very clear effects, especially in those production contexts characterized by corporate atomization, lack of cooperation, and innovation. An agrifood system, characterized by low levels of innovation and dependence on foreign countries for many raw materials and foodstuffs, must necessarily recover margins of competitiveness if it is to reverse course. This study analyses the current production scenario of the Italian agri-food industry and suggests strategies to recover margins of competitiveness. The study reveals a weak agricultural sector, while the food industry and distribution are highly competitive. Today, small agribusinesses are unable to be competitive as they increasingly operate in a globalized market that leads to disconnections between production and consumption. Cooperation strategies (aggregation of production supply), which are the basis for innovation based on high investments, are the basis for the resilience of agri-food enterprises. • Cooperation represents a strategy to increase the competitiveness of the business system. • Innovation is the engine for growth and development. • Agricultural businesses must become more competitive and create a system.