People-centred digital traceability in PGI value chains: employee perceptions, adoption barriers and managerial levers in the Turkish dairy sector
Frontiers in Food Science and Technology, cilt.6, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 6
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.3389/frfst.2026.1738851
- Dergi Adı: Frontiers in Food Science and Technology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
- Anahtar Kelimeler: digital traceability, managerial levers, PGI value chains, resistance to change, SMEs and cooperatives, sustainable food systems, twin transition (green and digital), workforce dynamics
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction – This study examines how organisational and employee dynamics shape the adoption of digital traceability in Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) dairy SMEs. Methods – Drawing on survey evidence from approximately 30 firms and 151 employees in Türkiye’s Ezine value chain, the study examines perceived benefits, capability gaps, workload and complexity concerns, security-related perceptions, and exposure variables such as knowledge, information sources, software use, and prior awareness. Results – The study identifies patterned group-based differences in resistance-related attitudes toward digital traceability, with clearer differences by education, knowledge, training, and software use than by gender. Discussion – The findings are translated into practical managerial actions, including modular upskilling, phased roll-outs, transparent communication, and basic cyber-hygiene, and into policy considerations for SME readiness in PGI systems. The paper contributes empirical evidence on employee-centred barriers to digital traceability in traditional value chains and discusses their implications for food integrity, transparency, and resilience.