Digitalisation strategies in the agri-food system: The case of PDO Parmigiano Reggiano

Context: Agri-food systems in rural areas are increasingly dependent on collective and participatory actions to preserve traditional production and local agro-ecosystems. The deployment of digital technologies is expected to play a role in this context, provided that an integrated use of these tools is pursued. Objective: The paper analyses the characteristics of an integrated strategy of digitalisation led by a collective organisation, integrating the perspective of the Socio-Cyber-Physical System (SCPS) in the agri-food system. The aim is to reveal how the digitalisation process shapes and impacts on the governance of collective actions in a scenario of ecological transition. Methods: This case study examines the production system and Consortium for the protection of PDO Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, using the Institutional Analysis and Development framework. Evidence from official documents, direct observations, semi-structured interviews, and focus group are used to identify action situations and their connections. Results and conclusions: The paper allows us to identify a network of applications of digital tools, adopted in different business areas of a complex organisation such as the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium and its production system. This network of integrated business functions can be seen as the hallmark of the digitalisation strategy elaborated by this Consortium at the intersection with the surrounding social and physical domains, strengthening the embeddedness in the PR production system. However, some obstacles and drawbacks of this strategy also emerged, such as a marginal integration with the ecological transition. Significance: This research makes a valuable contribution to the process of identifying the fundamental elements of the digital network that represents the digitalisation strategy of the Parmigiano Reggiano production system. It is important to address any existing limitations and emerging conflicts in order to guarantee effective quality monitoring and traceability of the cheese without any prejudice for the natural resources of the PR production area. This must be done in a way that does not compromise the distinctive production processes that are deeply rooted in local traditions and require specialised, labour-intensive techniques.