A collaborative sustainability model for upstream and downstream apple agribusiness MSMEs: insights into food bioengineering and agribusiness development

This study explores a sustainability model for apple agribusiness micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in East Java, Indonesia, focusing on collaboration and its role in food bioengineering. We conducted interviews with a stratified random sample of 440 respondents, including 220 upstream and 220 downstream MSMEs, using validated questionnaires. The data analysis was performed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (SEM-PLS). The results reveal that collaboration significantly influences sustainability, with a P-value <0.001 and a coefficient of 0.331. Upstream MSMEs have a strong impact on collaboration, with a P-value <0.001 and a coefficient of 0.677, they also affect sustainability, with a coefficient of 0.436. Downstream MSMEs significantly impact both collaboration and sustainability, with coefficients of 0.223 and 0.222, respectively, and P-values <0.001. The findings highlight the need to strengthen collaboration between upstream and downstream MSMEs to support sustainable growth and enhance value chain efficiency through food bioengineering innovations.