Co-evolutionary processes in supply chain networks

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative conceptual and analytical framework to enhance understanding of the dynamic processes of food supply chains. The framework employs a co-evolutionary perspective to exploit complex and dynamic relationships spanning different levels of aggregation. To make this co-evolutionary perspective operational, the paper's conceptual approach draws from complexity theory, Austrian economics, and social networks. This approach not only improves our understanding of the conflicting dynamic influences that impact food market systems but also presents an alternative viewpoint of organizational interrelationships. In addition, this framework provides analytical advances through the use of agent-based modelling in an agricultural supply chain context. Simulation results are presented to support the arguments of this nested co-evolutionary framework.