The Role of Clusters in Managing Technological Challenges and Achieving Resilient Agri-Food Systems at the Global Level

Abstract

There is a strong need to transform agriculture from its heavy dependence on staple crops to an increased production that can, on the one hand, address the needs and quality requirements of domestic and export markets, but also grow into a resilient agri-food system. The paper acknowledges the emergence of agro-clusters as an essential element in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and in supporting export performance. The main objective of our research is to investigate the role of clusters in promoting knowledge transfer, improve competitiveness and boost technological investments through the example of selected relevant agri-clusters. To extend the existing literature, our research aims to evaluate the link between export performance - measured considering the volume of trade – and the existence of agri-clusters. We have assumed that there is a strong direct relationship between the existence and stage of development of agricultural clusters, the performance of agricultural exports – expressed in terms of total value of agricultural exports - and resilient agri-food systems. To test our hypothesis, we use data from the United Nations Comtrade Database on changes in export share and value of agricultural products over the last decade, complementary with qualitative analysis based on more than 100 sources (government documents, webpages, presentations, projects) of the top five global agricultural exporters to evaluate the existence of agricultural clusters, the government support and implication, and the integration of other actors such as universities, research centers, financial institutions. The results indicate a positive correlation between the development stage of analysed agricultural clusters, the resilience of agri-food systems and the performance of agricultural exports of the country of origin.