•  
  •  
 

JEL Classification System

Q1

Abstract

The growing global demand for functional and sustainable foods has prompted developing countries to explore alternative exports, including Indonesia’s modified cassava flour (MOCAF). Despite its environmental benefits and gluten-free properties, MOCAF’s penetration into European markets remains limited. This study examines institutional barriers constraining MOCAF exports using Scott’s framework of regulative, normative, and cognitive institutions. A qualitative approach combined in- depth interviews, town hall meetings, and secondary data from governmental and international sources. Findings show that institutional constraints, rather than product quality alone, hinder European Union market entry and reduce competitiveness. Regulative barriers include fragmented logistics and high certification costs. Normative challenges stem from weak inter- agency coordination and limited export facilitation for MSMEs. Cognitive constraints involve the absence of coherent national branding and narratives aligned with European consumer preferences. The study concludes that enhancing MOCAF’s global competitiveness requires comprehensive institutional reforms, including policy harmonization, infrastructure development, certification support, and sustainability-oriented branding.

Download

Share

COinS