Local food supply chain resilience to constitutional change : The Brexit effect

Hendry, Linda Caroline and Stevenson, Mark and MacBryde, Jillian and Ball, Peter and Sayed, Maysara and Liu, Lingxuan (2019) Local food supply chain resilience to constitutional change : The Brexit effect. International Journal of Operations and Production Management, 39 (3). pp. 429-453. ISSN 0144-3577

Text (2018 IJOPM HendryStevensonMacBrydeBallMaysaraLingxuan Local food supply chain resilience to constitutional change - the Brexit effect)
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Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how local supply chains prepare for and respond to the threats and opportunities presented by constitutional change, thereby building resilience. Design/methodology/approach Multiple case study analysis of 14 firms in the food sector is presented in the context of the UK's impending exit from the European Union (Brexit). Organisations studied include farmers, processors, retailers and non-government organisations (NGOs). Data from interviews and roundtable discussions has been interpreted using the dynamic capabilities perspective, covering the sensing, seizing, and transforming stages. Findings The data highlights the importance of both vertical and horizontal collaboration between supply chain actors as they seek to anticipate the impact of the disruption and influence the future shape of the constitution. There is also evidence to suggest firms in possession of dynamic capabilities can innovate to build resilience and enhance their competitive position. Characteristics of the disruption posed by constitutional change are identified and contrast with those of many other threats more typically described in the literature. As a result, the process of building resilience is different. Originality/value The first study of supply chain resilience to constitutional change and a rare empirical study of resilience across multiple supply chain tiers.