The role of Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence in responsible purchasing practices in the food industry.

• Grant number: 23/14575-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: November 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Andrea Lago da Silva
• Grantee: Isabelle Siqueira Nolasco
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The food industry is increasingly concerned about reviewing its production processes and making them more sustainable, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This is due, among other reasons, to the growing concern of consumers about the sustainability attributes of the products they consume, as well as due to external pressure from stakeholders for greater control and measurement of the impacts generated by food production. Responsible purchasing refers to the set of practices related to the acquisition of raw materials, products and services from suppliers who comply with environmental and social criteria during their activities. In this sense, the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence, has been pointed out as a possible way to carry out such practices, with the potential to trigger sustainable behavior in industries. However, there are gaps in the literature regarding the real role that these technologies play in responsible purchasing and the practices related to these purchases. Thus, the question that gives rise to this research is: how do Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence contribute to responsible purchasing practices with a focus on environmental and social sustainability in food industries? To this end, we intend to carry out a Systematic Literature Review, followed by a content analysis, with the support of the qualitative analysis software QDA Miner. Having completed the process, an explanatory framework will be drawn up on the role of the technologies cited in responsible purchasing practices in the food industry and an agenda for future research will also be established to advance knowledge on the subject.