Traders as ecosystem orchestrators for sustainable foods supply chain transformation

Abstract

AbstractTransforming global food supply chains for sustainability in a pervasive manner requires leading it for specific contexts. As central intermediaries between producers and consumers possessing both tacit and explicit knowledge of supply–demand and local business cultures, traders are uniquely positioned for ecosystem orchestration (EO). The limited literature on the role of agricultural commodities traders in promoting sustainability and calls for it has motivated this study. To understand the capabilities required for ecosystem orchestrators (EOs), we surveyed the available literature using citation network analysis, revealing knowledge elements within the clusters of leading value and stakeholder orchestration, cultivating dynamic and interorganizational capabilities, interplaying innovation and business ecosystems, and utilizing software ecosystems. These clusters contained interlinked EO functions of offering complementary assets and digital platforms, which we highlighted as actual business practices by certain major agricultural trading firms. We conclude that traders as EOs for sustainability is plausible and provide actionable guidance.