In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and market volatility, agricultural supply chains in developing economies have faced unprecedented challenges. A recent study published in *Sustainable Futures* (translated as “Future Sustainability”) sheds light on how Thailand’s pineapple industry is leveraging knowledge and digital technologies to build resilience and sustainability. The research, led by Konpapha Jantapoon from the Faculty of Business Administration and Liberal Art at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna in Chiang Rai, Thailand, offers valuable insights for the agri-food sector and beyond.
The study focuses on the integration of knowledge-based capabilities—such as absorption, transformation, and utilization—within the pineapple supply chain. These capabilities are shown to significantly enhance operational resilience, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability. Moreover, digital capabilities act as a moderating factor, amplifying the effects of these knowledge processes.
“Our findings reveal that organizations that effectively absorb, transform, and utilize knowledge are better equipped to navigate disruptions and foster sustainability,” Jantapoon explains. “Digital technologies play a crucial role in enhancing these capabilities, making the supply chain more robust and adaptable.”
The research involved surveying 186 organizations across the pineapple supply chain using stratified random sampling. Data analysis through partial least squares structural equation modeling confirmed the positive impact of knowledge-based integration on resilience and sustainability. The study also highlights the complementary relationship between knowledge processes and digital capabilities, offering a framework for developing integrated knowledge-digital strategies.
For the agri-food industry, these findings underscore the importance of investing in both knowledge management and digital infrastructure. As the sector grapples with increasing volatility and sustainability pressures, the ability to integrate these capabilities can mean the difference between resilience and vulnerability.
“By adopting a knowledge-based view and leveraging digital technologies, organizations can create more sustainable and resilient supply chains,” Jantapoon adds. “This approach not only benefits the environment and society but also enhances commercial outcomes.”
The study extends the knowledge-based view theory to agricultural contexts, particularly for perishable products, and demonstrates the potential for similar strategies to be applied across different agricultural products and regions. As the world continues to face unprecedented challenges, the insights from this research offer a roadmap for building more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.
In the broader context, the findings have implications for other sectors, including energy, where supply chain resilience and sustainability are equally critical. By integrating knowledge-based capabilities with digital technologies, organizations can enhance their ability to adapt to disruptions and meet sustainability goals.
As the agri-food sector continues to evolve, the integration of knowledge and digital capabilities will likely become a cornerstone of successful supply chain management. The research by Jantapoon and colleagues provides a compelling case for why this integration is not just beneficial but essential for the future of sustainable agriculture and beyond.