Infrastructures play a relevant role in promoting the socio-economic development of a country, region or area. In particular, transport infrastructure endowment is important for the agrifood supply chains, which have some specifics characteristics that contribute to raising the complexity of external logistics. Italy is leader in the agrifood supply chain, but the Italian transport infrastructure endowment is more backward than its main European competitors. Given the need to pursue the resilience of agrifood systems after having experienced several adverse events, such as COVID-19 pandemic or Xylella disease in the Southern Apulia region, the present study aims at estimating the impact of transport infrastructure on the agri-food firm performances. The research was carried out using a composite set of indicators for measuring the regional endowment of transport infrastructures. Results demonstrate a positive relationship between transport infrastructure and firm performance, and strong territorial differences across Italy. Based on the findings, investment in transport infrastructure needs to be sustained in order to enhance growth in many economic sectors, including the agrifood one, which is closely related to food security. Given the significant role played by transport infrastructures towards the firms' economic performance improvements and the development of regional economies, the present study could represent a useful tool for government, policymakers and managers to activate the proper drivers of transition.
Measuring the impact of transport infrastructure endowment on firms' performances: the case of Italian agrifood sector
Agnusdei G. P.
;Gnoni M. G.;Miglietta P. P.
2022-01-01
Abstract
Infrastructures play a relevant role in promoting the socio-economic development of a country, region or area. In particular, transport infrastructure endowment is important for the agrifood supply chains, which have some specifics characteristics that contribute to raising the complexity of external logistics. Italy is leader in the agrifood supply chain, but the Italian transport infrastructure endowment is more backward than its main European competitors. Given the need to pursue the resilience of agrifood systems after having experienced several adverse events, such as COVID-19 pandemic or Xylella disease in the Southern Apulia region, the present study aims at estimating the impact of transport infrastructure on the agri-food firm performances. The research was carried out using a composite set of indicators for measuring the regional endowment of transport infrastructures. Results demonstrate a positive relationship between transport infrastructure and firm performance, and strong territorial differences across Italy. Based on the findings, investment in transport infrastructure needs to be sustained in order to enhance growth in many economic sectors, including the agrifood one, which is closely related to food security. Given the significant role played by transport infrastructures towards the firms' economic performance improvements and the development of regional economies, the present study could represent a useful tool for government, policymakers and managers to activate the proper drivers of transition.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
