What impedes digital twin from revolutionizing agro-food supply chain? Analysis of barriers and strategy development for mitigation

Abstract

Digital Twin (DT) is a technology platform that is revolutionizing the supply chain digitization process by creating virtual representations of physical systems. Agro-food supply chain (AFSC) is one of the most important supply chains that can be made more efficient by widespread adoption of DT. However, the adoption and implementation of DT in AFSC is very limited due to various hindrances. Thus, it is imperative to identify and analyze the DT barriers thoroughly; and subsequently, develop strategies to overcome the dominant barriers for the successful implementation of DT in AFSC. This study identifies the barriers to DT implementation through a literature review and experts’ opinions. The interaction amongst the barriers is captured using the “Weighted Influence Non-linear Gauge System (WINGS)” method. Lack of technology infrastructure, technology immaturity, and high capital investment emerge as the dominant causal barriers. Furthermore, to overcome the identified barriers, a framework based on a triple helix approach is suggested. The findings of the study will be useful for government agencies, policymakers, agricultural institutions, and agro-food industry stakeholders to eliminate the obstacles to the successful implementation of DT in AFSC.