Developments and bottlenecks in the construction of sociotechnical networks: a study in the brazilian frog supply chain

Abstract

Since its implementation in 1935, the Brazilian frog supply chain has operated with a low availability of knowledge and information essential for its consolidation and expansion. This problem has had negative repercussions on the productive components of the supply chain and, in this sense, has contributed to the maintenance of the imbalance between supply and demand for frog products and derivatives. One solution created and adopted by supply chain actors was the construction of a socio-technical network. This article explores the developments and bottlenecks observed throughout the network construction process, using a single case study design in the Brazilian frog supply chain as well as drawing on the participatory research method and focusing on the dynamics of interactions between the various actors involved. It is argued that the socio-technical network is built through the approximation, motivation and training of its members, but that its performance faces limitations inherent to its composition.