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The long way to innovation adoption: insights from precision agriculture

Author

Listed:
  • Margherita Masi

    (University of Bologna)

  • Marcello Rosa

    (University of Cassino and Southern Lazio)

  • Yari Vecchio

    (University of Bologna)

  • Luca Bartoli

    (University of Cassino and Southern Lazio)

  • Felice Adinolfi

    (University of Bologna)

Abstract

The adoption of innovations may boost the transition to sustainable agricultural models. Among these innovations, precision farming offers a fundamental contribution to sustainable soil management and the improvement in product quality. The work is set against this background and aims to analyse the rate of introducing precision farming tools and the variables that prevent/facilitate this adoption. Although adoption rates in Italy remain relatively low, it is vital to underline the obstacles that limit the broader use of precision agricultural technologies inside farms. To this end, the literature has highlighted various elements of complexity (farm characteristics, socio-economic and psychological), which can hinder or generate perceived complexity and significantly reduce the potential for technology adoption. In this context emerges the increasing importance of public and private activities related to knowledge transfer. The paper focuses on agricultural knowledge and innovation systems, which are also relevant in light of the recent proposal for the new regulation on rural development. The awareness–knowledge–adoption–product (AKAP) sequence was used to reveal the gap between the potential and actual adoption of innovation on Italian farms to comprehend the adoption process and identify relevant barriers and the role knowledge systems played. Empirical findings show that AKIS has a critical mediating function in promoting innovation uptake. Strengthening knowledge systems, acting on the different phases of the AKAP sequence, could allow a greater understanding of precision agriculture techniques and bottlenecks to adoption.

Suggested Citation

  • Margherita Masi & Marcello Rosa & Yari Vecchio & Luca Bartoli & Felice Adinolfi, 2022. "The long way to innovation adoption: insights from precision agriculture," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 10(1), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agfoec:v:10:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1186_s40100-022-00236-5
    DOI: 10.1186/s40100-022-00236-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Georgios Kountios & Spyridon Kanakaris & Christina Moulogianni & Thomas Bournaris, 2024. "Strengthening AKIS for Sustainable Agricultural Features: Insights and Innovations from the European Union: A Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-27, August.
    3. Osrof, Hazem Yusuf & Tan, Cheng Ling & Angappa, Gunasekaran & Yeo, Sook Fern & Tan, Kim Hua, 2023. "Adoption of smart farming technologies in field operations: A systematic review and future research agenda," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    4. Nolwazi Z. Khumalo & Lelethu Mdoda & Melusi Sibanda, 2024. "Uptake and Level of Use of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices by Small-Scale Urban Crop Farmers in eThekwini Municipality," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-25, June.
    5. Margherita Masi & Jorgelina Di Pasquale & Yari Vecchio & Fabian Capitanio, 2023. "Precision Farming: Barriers of Variable Rate Technology Adoption in Italy," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-16, May.

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