Formal network analysis of a food supply chain system: a case study for the Italian agro-food chains

This paper approaches the analysis of supply chains of products of animal origin from various productive species by using network analytic methods. In the studied analysis the supply chains are embedded in a single model which highlights all the interconnections that have little evidence in traditional models. The complex network is studied analyzing the matrix that constitutes the network with algorithms and methods extensively tested and validated. This analytical approach has already been applied with positive results in many research areas such as social networks, transport networks, the stylistic of writers and musicians, proteomics, pharmacology, medicine, biology and many others. We apply this methodology to supply chains of products of animal origin and show a series of preliminary results. This method of study of food supply chains could be useful for an observatory, bringing to light slightly evident relations and becoming a strong support for policy-makers. It can also provide useful advices to individual actors on how to optimize their own supply chains. Finally, through an effective enumeration and evaluation of the relationships, a network model could be helpful in design of tracking and traceability systems.