Knowledge Systems in the Agrifood Supply Chains

Abstract

Knowledge production and exchange can enhance the performance of agrifood supply chains (ASCs). However, the mechanisms that facilitate or impede knowledge co-creation within ASCs have not yet been elucidated. In this work, using a systems approach, the authors compare the knowledge systems in two countries with similar characteristics but also major differences in their agrifood sectors: Italy and Greece. In Italy, the analysis indicates a divided but pluralistic system, which facilitates the production and enables the exchange of various types of knowledge. In Greece, the lack of central coordination leads the involved stakeholders to create, test, and share new forms of knowledge. These findings, on the one hand, reveal the ability of interrelated actors to mutually produce context-specific knowledge while, on the other hand, emphasise the importance of creating knowledge spaces within ASCs.