Digital platform-based local food supply chains: insights into multi-level critical success factors

Purpose The local food sector is embracing digital platforms as one of the supply chain (SC) configurations to hone SC efficiency. However, factors determining the successful development of digital platform-based local food supply chains (LFSCs) remain underexplored. This study aims to propose a framework of critical success factors (CSFs) for digital platform-based LFSCs. Design/methodology/approach The authors have adopted a multiple-case study approach where cases are both successful (active) and failure (inactive) initiatives and represent diverse business models. Findings Drawing on a digital platform lens, the authors have explored 12 CSFs, grouped under 4 overarching factors (value-oriented, organizational, user-related and contextual). The former two are micro-level factors, whereas the latter two are meso- and macro-level factors, respectively. This research infers that these factors are interdependent. Practical implications By identifying micro-level factors as fundamental enablers, this research informs platform managers that they should give utmost attention in designing and securing these factors. Furthermore, recognition of meso-level CSFs as a functional enabler informs managers that they should strategically cultivate the network size and exert effort to encourage users’ behavioral change. Alongside, by establishing macro-level CSFs as a structural enabler, this study informs policymakers on the necesity of creating a supportive regulatory framework and enhancing budget provisions for financial grants directed towards digital local food platforms. Social implications By leveraging the identified CSFs, practitioners can increasingly develop effective and viable digital platforms for local food, thereby broadening market reach for small- and medium-sized producers. Increased market access for these producers can, in turn promote rural development and SC equity. Simultaneously, the rise in viable platforms for local foods can enhance consumers’ (specifically urban consumers’) access to fresh local produce, thereby improving food security and their dietary quality. Moreover, the arrangement of hybrid communication by platform orchestrators can lessen information asymmetries and strengthen relationships between producers and consumers, hence fostering social capital within the SC. All these corroborate the societal contribution of this study. Originality/value This study extends SC literature by demonstrating that the digital platform-based LFSCs cannot be successfully developed by simply replicating CSFs pertinent to the traditional LFSCs; instead, platform-specific CSFs are required. Furthermore, this research shows that CSFs span multiple levels and are interdependent. This study also contributes to platform literature by adding a relational aspect to platform theory.