Transition to the Circular Economy: Innovative and Disruptive Production Technologies Adopted by Agribusiness Startups

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to analyze the impact of innovative and disruptive production technologies adopted by Brazilian agribusiness startups on the value chain, contributing to the transition to the circular economy. Qualitative research was carried out through 10 semi‐structured interviews with CEOs of startups in the agribusiness segment, also called agtechs. The results indicate that various disruptive innovative technologies are in use, such as precision agriculture, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. The adoption of innovative technologies, especially those that have disruptive potential, contributes to the transition to a circular economy. These innovations enhance efficiency, productivity, resource waste reduction, greenhouse gas emission reduction, monitoring, and control. At the same time, they have the potential to contribute to the generation of food security, the minimization of environmental impact, and the promotion of sustainability in agribusiness, making it more resilient. It is concluded that disruptive technologies, especially those originating from Industry 4.0, have the potential to transform the agribusiness industry. They support sustainable and efficient practices and have the potential to replace the lack of human labor in the field. Furthermore, the study expands the theoretical understanding of the role of agtechs in the circular economy and provides practical insights into the formulation of public policies, investments, and business strategies to promote sustainability in the agricultural sector.