Investigating food system interactions using network analyses: A case study of the Australian food system

Abstract This study evaluates the application of quantitative network analysis as a novel approach to mapping interlinkages and identifying influential drivers within food systems, using Australia as a case study. Leveraging longitudinal data from 1991 to 2022 and employing ts2net package, we analyse 40 food system elements, spanning drivers, activities and outcomes. The analysis revealed that networks of associations in the food system vary in strength, with elements possessing numerous weaker connections exerting greater influence across the food system than those with fewer, stronger ties. Climate change and socio-demographic changes have been identified as key influential drivers in the Australian food system. Clustering analysis identified two distinct sub-systems: the Agri-food and the food and nutrition sub-systems. While network analysis uncovers structural interlinkages and suggests potential directional relationships, it does not establish causality; thus, identified connections should be treated as candidates for further investigation through rigorous econometric methods. As a complementary tool, network analysis can support food system transformation and foresight efforts by identifying key drivers, tracing cascading effects of changes in elements, and revealing weak or missing linkages. However, its effectiveness is constrained by data availability and the limitations of current metrics, emphasizing the need for improved data reporting systems to support comprehensive food system analysis.