Nonfood Geographical Indications as Collective Sustainability Strategies: Governance as a Strategic Capability for Territorial Competitive Advantage

Nonfood geographical indications (GIs) are increasingly emerging as collective sustainability strategies. They enable territories to transform cultural and productive heritage into sources of long-term competitive advantage. While existing research recognises their regulatory and cultural relevance, limited attention has been paid to how governance configurations activate nonfood GIs as strategic mechanisms for sustainability-oriented territorial competitiveness. This study consolidates and systematises the literature through a systematic review conducted using the SPAR- 4-SLR protocol. Fifty-four peer-reviewed studies were analysed through bibliometric mapping and in-depth thematic analysis to identify the dominant conceptual approaches, governance models and strategic outcomes associated with nonfood GIs. Drawing on the systematic review and its interpretative synthesis, the study conceptualises nonfood GIs as heritage-based collective business strategies. It develops a layered conceptual framework that positions governance as a strategic capability mediating between territorial resources and sustainability-oriented competitive outcomes. The framework identifies two systemic strategic trade-offs that recur across studies and contexts: authenticity protection versus market responsiveness and participatory inclusiveness versus decision-making agility, shaping long-term territorial value creation. It explains how governance choices condition economic performance, cultural continuity, social cohesion and environmental practices, and demonstrates that nonfood GIs can function as collective business strategies driving sustainable territorial competitive advantage. The insights provide theoretical advancement for strategy and sustainability research and offer actionable guidance for policymakers and territorial actors designing locally grounded competitive strategies.