Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Value Network Approach Application in Food Production Sciences

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Economics
• Food Science
• Bibliometrics

Background:

• Value network analysis is increasingly used for agro-industrial competitiveness.
• Knowledge gaps exist in applying value network frameworks to diverse food production sectors.
• Understanding the landscape of value network research is crucial for identifying future research directions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To bibliometrically analyze scientific articles on food product competitiveness using the value network framework.
• To determine the spatial and temporal distribution of research on food value networks.
• To identify emerging research opportunities within food production value chains.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric techniques applied to articles from major databases (Elsevier, Scopus, Frontiers, MDPI, Springer).
• Keywords: "red de valor", "value network", "sustainable agricultural production", "food security".
• Spatial-temporal analysis, descriptive statistics, and network analysis using VOSviewer software.

Main Results:

• 147 scientific articles were identified, with publication growth from 2017-2024.
• Research is concentrated in Latin America, Europe, and Asia, focusing on products like maize, rice, coffee, wine, and milk.
• Limited research was found in aquaculture, apiculture, and non-timber forest sectors.

Conclusions:

• The study identifies key regions and products studied within food value networks.
• Aquaculture, apiculture, and non-timber forest sectors represent significant opportunities for new research.
• Future research should focus on local resource analysis and sustainability to enhance market positioning in under-researched sectors.