Formal network analysis of a food supply chain system: a case study for the Italian agro-food chains

Clemente, Flavia and Nasuelli, Piero A. and Baggio, Rodolfo (2015) Formal network analysis of a food supply chain system: a case study for the Italian agro-food chains. AGRÁRINFORMATIKA / JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATICS, 6 (4). pp. 1-16. ISSN 2061-862X

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Abstract

This paperapproachesthe analysis of supply chains of products of animal originfrom various productive species by using network analytic methods.In the studied analysis the supply chains are embedded ina single model which highlights allthe interconnectionsthat have little evidencein traditional models. The complex networkis studied analyzing the matrix that constitutes the network with algorithms and methods extensively tested and validated. This analytical approach has already been applied with positive results in many research areas such as social networks, transport networks, the stylistic of writers and musicians, proteomics, pharmacology, medicine,biology and many others. We apply this methodologyto supply chains of products of animal origin and show a series of preliminary results. This method of study of food supply chains could be useful for an observatory,bringing to light slightly evident relations andbecoming a strong support for policy-makers. It can alsoprovide useful advices to individual actors on how to optimize their own supply chains. Finally, through an effective enumeration and evaluation of the relationships, a network model couldbe helpful in design of tracking and traceabilitysystems.

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