New trends in the global digital transformation process of the agri-food sector: An exploratory study based on Twitter

CONTEXT: The agri-food system is undergoing pervasive changes in business models, facilitated by the use of digital technologies. Although today it is almost inevitable for any business to adopt some level of digital transformation to strengthen their competitiveness, this transition in the agri-food sector could be more complex, given its characteristics.OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to analyse worldwide the perceptions of new digital technologies in the agri-food sector expressed within social media platforms, identifying the differences that may exist between them regarding its objectives and social acceptance.METHODS: This paper examines the information regarding digital transformation process in the agri-food sector disseminated worldwide on Twitter. For that purpose, Twitter API is used to gather tweets and descriptive and content analyses, including a sentiment analysis, are performed using R and MAXQDA software.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We found that the digitalization of the agri-food sector is broadly discussed within Twitter. Different actors participate in these information flows, being companies and digital solution providers the most active users and academics and governmental institutions the most visible. Artificial Intel-ligence was the most mentioned technology, that together with the Internet of Things, Big Data, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing, was related to improving production efficiencies, crop yield, or cost reduction. In the case of Blockchain Technology, it was closer to food supply chain actors, such as distribution companies and marketers. However, all these technologies are connected to the concept of sustainability. The sentiment analysis showed a generally positive tone, indicating social acceptance regarding the starting phase of the adoption of these technologies. The study also identified differences among countries, pointing to a stronger level of engagement with these technologies in developed regions. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic was seen as a chance to boost the digital transformation in the sector all over the world.SIGNIFICANCE: Our results demonstrate that data harvested from Twitter provide useful insight into perceptions of digital transformation and different digital technologies in the agri-food value chain across different countries. Information that could be useful for researchers, but also for agricultural firms and policymakers.

Automated summary

This study examines global perceptions of new digital technologies in the agri-food sector expressed on Twitter. The findings show that digitalization in the agri-food sector is widely discussed on Twitter, with various actors participating in these discussions. Artificial Intelligence is the most mentioned technology, followed by the Internet of Things, Big Data, Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing. These technologies are primarily associated with improving production efficiencies, crop yield, and cost reduction, and are connected to the concept of sustainability. The sentiment analysis indicates a generally positive tone and social acceptance of these technologies. The study also identifies differences among countries, highlighting a greater engagement with digital technologies in developed regions. The COVID-19 pandemic is seen as an opportunity to accelerate digital transformation in the agri-food sector worldwide.