Horizontal and Vertical Networks for Innovation in the Traditional Food Sector

Xavier Gellynck, Bianka Kühne · 2010 · International journal on food system dynamics

Summary. Innovation in traditional food sectors occurs through networks rather than individual firms. This study examined vertical networks (same supply chain) and horizontal networks (competing firms) across Belgium, Hungary, and Italy in beer, cheese, ham, sausage, and paprika production. Both network types exist but face challenges: vertical networks struggle with trust issues despite quality schemes, while horizontal networks work better with producer consortiums but suffer from competition. Firms innovate mainly in packaging and form, not core products. Successful small firms use networks to share knowledge, information, and resources, overcoming barriers like lack of trust, skills, and financial resources.

Read the original

@article{gellynck-2010-horizontal-vertical-networks-innovation-traditional,
  title   = {Horizontal and Vertical Networks for Innovation in the Traditional Food Sector},
  author  = {Xavier Gellynck and Bianka Kühne},
  journal = {International journal on food system dynamics},
  year    = {2010},
  doi     = {10.18461/ijfsd.v1i2.124},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.18461/ijfsd.v1i2.124}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Horizontal and Vertical Networks for Innovation in the Traditional Food Sector
AU  - Xavier Gellynck
AU  - Bianka Kühne
JO  - International journal on food system dynamics
PY  - 2010
DO  - 10.18461/ijfsd.v1i2.124
UR  - https://doi.org/10.18461/ijfsd.v1i2.124
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.18461/ijfsd.v1i2.124

Countries

Belgium, Hungary, Italy

Regions

Europe

Categories

food-systems, innovation-networks, regional-innovation-systems, general-innovation

Added

2026-04-28