Enhancing the adoption of temperature monitoring technologies: the case study of selected Australian vegetable supply

Enhancing the adoption of temperature monitoring technologies: the case study of selected Australian vegetable supply

The study seeks to understand the behavioural aspects influencing the adoption of temperature monitoring technologies (TMTs) among vegetable supply chain members in Australia. It contributes to current theory and practice and provides policy level inputs for enhancing uptake of TMTs to reduce fresh produce spoilage and sustain its nutritious value. The study utilised multi-theoretical frameworks through a combination of five seminal and modern theories of technology adoption. The tailor-made conceptual framework for the study focused on the current status of TMTs adoption, factors influencing its uptake and interventions to enhance its acceptance by members of vegetable supply chains. Three representative cases were purposively selected for the study that included growers, packers, transporters, distribution centres along with technology providers and industry experts. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews from 19 members of vegetable supply chains as well as three technology providers and three industry experts. Data was analyzed utilizing thematic analysis. Findings show that members of vegetable supply chains perceive temperature management as one of the key factors for preserving quality and extending shelf life of their produce; however, they did not proactively seek to utilise TMTs in their current operations. Resistance to adoption is deeply rooted in product-based issues (cost and compatibility of existing TMTs), and process-based factors (information sharing and product mixing). The presence of an individual’s undesirable behavioural aspects (status quo bias, responsibility shirking) and overall social norms of the industry influence the adoption of TMTs. The study recommends five core actions for enhancing the uptake of TMTs along different echelons of vegetable supply chains highlighting dominant role of supermarkets, technology providers and government entities.

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