The Embeddedness of the Agro-Food System in the Spanish Interindustrial Structure

Abstract

The agro-food system (AFS) is an integrating component of the networks behind interindustrial systems. This implies that the structure of AFSs affects and is affected by the characteristics and evolution of the more complex networks in which they are embedded. This article uses national and regional input—output data to analyze the network structure of the Spanish interindustry system for the period 1980— 2000. Network theory (NT) and social network analysis (SNA) have been applied to examine the structural position and evolution of the AFS in the whole interindustrial system. Following a systemic view, it is stated that the Spanish interindustry network follows a hierarchical topology, in which a core and a periphery can be identified. The AFS is a cohesive module occupying a peripheral position in the interindustrial structure. Those findings are very relevant from a policy perspective, as it is essential to have a deep knowledge of the structure of a system before acting on it. According to the dynamics of the analyzed national and regional AFSs, actions would imply coordination with policies focused on core sectors, mainly business services, trade and hotels and restaurants, and on sectors belonging to other production systems.