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Developing a model of the microalgae value chain
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Afsaneh Mohkami    , Maziar Habibi-pirkoohi |
| , Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman , af.mohkami@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (42 Views) |
Background and Theoretical Foundations: Microalgae are among the marine organisms that have attracted the attention of a large part of consumers around the world in recent years due to their diverse and widely used biological compounds. Despite the large global market for microalgae-based products. In Iran, the production and sale of microalgae has not been very successful, and part of this problem is due to the lack of a systematic model regarding the value chain of such products. Developing a value chain model is important because it highlights the key stages of the supply chain and also helps identify possible deficiencies. Therefore, the present study presents a model of the value chain of microalgae.
Methodology: The present study is in the field of applied research in terms of purpose. In terms of approach, this study is also classified as exploratory studies. The statistical sample includes 15 experts in the field of supply chain and microalgae production and cultivation. Sampling was carried out using the snowball method. Sampling of experts in this study continued until the exploration and analysis process reached a theoretical saturation point. A semi-structured interview method was used to collect data. Two methods, test-retest and double-coder agreement, were used to determine the validity and reliability of the interviews. In this study, the content analysis method with the Attride-Stirling approach was used to analyze qualitative data. Content analysis was carried out in six consecutive stages, including familiarization with the data, creation of initial codes, search for categories, review of categories, definition and naming of themes, and preparation of a report. Data analysis was carried out using MAXQDA 2020 software..
Findings: The validity of the codes collected during the interview process was confirmed by two methods: retesting and agreement of two coders. Based on the results of the content analysis, 89 codes were obtained, which were categorized into 35 basic themes. The basic themes were then categorized into 12 organizing themes. The final model of the microalgae value chain was designed in five loops including production and cultivation (standardization of cultivation, optimization of the cultivation environment and cultivation system), harvesting and processing (harvesting methods, extraction of active compounds and quality improvement), packaging and distribution, marketing and sales (marketing mix and customer orientation), and sustainability (waste management, movement towards sustainable development).
Conclusion: The model presented in this study includes a combination of different levels of the value chain, and optimizing each of these stages can improve the overall performance of the supply chain of basic algae products. The results obtained in this study indicate that for the development of microalgae-based industries, management measures should be taken at different levels from production to final consumption. The findings of this study also have practical guidelines for producers and all stakeholders in the supply chain of microalgae-based products. It should also be noted that the proposed model, while including different stages of the value chain, highlights waste management and environmental and social considerations as a solution for sustainable development. |
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| Keywords: Microalgae, value chain, production, processing, sustainability considerations, marketing |
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Type of Study: Research/ Original/ Regular Article |
Subject:
Marine Economics and Business Management
Received: 2025/07/15 | Revised: 2025/09/21 | Accepted: 2025/09/21
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