Navigating digital twin adoption in agri-food supply chains: a resource orchestration perspective on challenges and pathways

Abstract

Purpose Food loss, climate variability, resource constraints and growing demand are placing agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) under mounting pressure to deliver sustainable food security (SFS). Digital twin (DT) technology is a promising approach to overcoming these challenges through capabilities such as real-time monitoring, increased visibility and data-driven decision-making. Nevertheless, the implementation of DTs in AFSC is still in its early stages and faces significant challenges. Design/methodology/approach Using Resource Orchestration Theory (ROT), the paper elaborates on how the failure to structure, bundle and leverage resources limits the implementation of DT. Moreover, this paper also investigates the interactions and hierarchical links among these challenges by employing a hybrid approach that combines the Delphi method with the Interpretive Structural Model (ISM) and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology. Findings From a review of the literature and expert insights, the study identifies 13 key challenges. To effectively implement DT and address food security concerns, special attention must be paid to key structuring challenges, such as high costs and the Lack of a single digital platform and standard architecture, which become fundamental factors restricting the diffusion of DT. Research limitations/implications This research provides a critical theoretical and practical framework for policymakers, technology providers and agri-food firms to strategically orchestrate their resources, thereby overcoming adoption hurdles and harnessing DT technology to make substantive progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), i.e. Zero hunger through SFS. Originality/value Unlike the previous studies on DT adoption in AFSCs, which mainly determine the challenges to DT adoption through descriptive or single-method approaches (e.g. Yadav and Majumdar, 2024). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to apply the ROT to a Delphi–ISM–MICMAC–DEMATEL approach, systematically modeling the hierarchical and causal relationships among DT adoption challenges. This provides not only a profound theoretical explanation but also decision-oriented insights for SFS.