Conditions for a Convergence between Digital Platforms and Sustainability in Agriculture

Abstract

Recent research has embraced the idea that digitalization is becoming a significant factor in addressing sustainability challenges. Digital platforms are becoming integral to this dynamic, opening a vast spectrum of possibilities that remain insufficiently explored. Alongside the growing expansion of digital platform initiatives, agriculture faces major sustainability concerns that constantly reshape the organizational patterns of farmers, consumers, and institutions. Despite recent research interest in the field of digital platforms, few studies highlight their potential for fostering sustainability. This article aimed to explore the conditions digital platforms need to fulfill to enhance sustainability in the agricultural realm. First, through a literature review on digital platforms and first-hand observations, a categorization of digital platforms in agriculture is sketched and their potential outcomes are explored within the theoretical framework of digital sustainability. Then, based on data gathered from semi-structured interviews with an expert panel, we provide insightful contributions on the convergence between digital platforms and sustainability. Our findings suggest that a comprehensive and holistic approach is necessary to unlock the potential of digital platforms in promoting sustainability in agriculture. By meeting the key conditions identified in this article, digital platforms can serve as powerful tools for driving sustainability in this critical sector. The theoretical implications of our research can contribute to advancing academic inquiry in the field of digital platforms and sustainability, while the practical implications can serve as valuable guidance for the development of digital platform initiatives that support sustainability pillars in agriculture.