The analytic hierarchy process as an innovative way to enable stakeholder engagement for sustainability reporting in the food industry

Abstract

The sustainable transition, which requires a combination of natural and human resources to foster the development and protection of ecosystems, is a challenge of civil society. New approaches may be proposed to support enterprises in identifying the appropriate strategic criteria for their sustainability initiatives, which are eventually documented in corporate sustainability reports. The present paper focuses on the food industry, particularly with regard to pasta production.The analytic hierarchy process method was used to assign relevance to sustainability criteria, according to the judgment of 10 academic experts. The initial criteria were selected from the sustainability reports of a virtuous and Italian pasta producer, La Molisana S.p.A., and divided into four categories: (1) people and community, (2) innovation and new product development, (3) commitment to the environment and (4) local supply chain and traceability. Promotion of social and economic development in the local community emerged as the most relevant criterion, followed by business development and promotion of talent. The people and community category was deemed most strategic for sustainability, while social and economic dimensions were given less relevance. Stakeholder engagement was proposed as an order winner for sustainable strategies.The present work has relevant methodological implications, as it shows that the analytic hierarchy process, applied in conjunction with a sustainability materiality matrix, may provide new and useful information for strategy and communication. In terms of operational implications, an enterprise’s historical connection to an area may attract global recognition and increase brand value through higher raw material quality, the harmonisation of human and natural resources, and synergy with the tourism industry.

Sustainable education and youth confidence as pillars of future civil society

“…Specifically, the results showed that the sustainability course was essential for changing students’ sustainability attitudes and behaviours. The findings support the model of a sustainable community based on stakeholder engagement, which can fundamentally change even industrial systems 44 . However, sustainable communities require support from HEIs 26 , which in turn need to connect to the outside world 52 and embrace change, on the basis of dynamic competencies.…”

“…See questions 10–16 in supplementary A ppendix A). The decision to include these items was based on previous research showing associations between: (i) playing sports and volunteering and greater sustainable behaviour 42 , 43 , and (ii) engagement with nature and improved stakeholder engagement 44 ; as well as the use of recycling, using sustainable products and taking public transportation as proxies of pro-environmental attitudes 45 . An index was created to average student scores on these six items and assess any correlation with character aspects (i.e., altruism).…”

Digitalizing Circular Economy through Blockchains: The Blockchain Circular Economy Index

“…This method is also used to evaluate the blockchain in terms of risk [51]. In addition, MCDA is supported by the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) when it is necessary to provide quantitative assessments based on expert background to select the most relevant criteria [52].…”

“…A criterion is selected if it appears in at least half of the works analyzed (three out of five). In a context where the number of criteria is at most 10, a classical AHP is used; however, if more criteria are identified, the local-global priority method of AHP should be used [52].…”

Highlighting the role of agriculture and geospatial technology in food security and sustainable development goals

“…There are advanced models and technology as an innovative way to enable stakeholder engagement for sustainability reporting in the food industry (D'Adamo, 2022). Nature‐based solutions (NbS), along with innovative ideas and technologies, are urgent requirements of agricultural practices to foster development and avoid the destruction of the natural environment (D'Adamo, 2022). There is a need for non‐destructive assessment and monitoring of the field soil condition and crop conditions, which could be monitored using geospatial technology, about precision agriculture to achieve food security.…”