Agriculture 4.0: Technological Adoption, Drivers, Benefits and Challenges in Italy. A Descriptive Survey

This study aims to examine the current state of awareness regarding Agriculture 4.0 (A4.0) among Italian agricultural enterprises and to analyse variations in adoption levels, expressed needs, perceived benefits, challenges and barriers to digitalisation. Drawing on data from a descriptive survey c...

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Main Authors: Cosimo Pacciani, Eleonora Catellani, Andrea Bacchetti, Chiara Corbo, Federica Ciccullo, Marco Ardolino
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Firenze University Press 2025-07-01
Series:Bio-based and Applied Economics
Subjects:
Online Access:https://oaj.fupress.net/index.php/bae/article/view/17382
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author Cosimo Pacciani
Eleonora Catellani
Andrea Bacchetti
Chiara Corbo
Federica Ciccullo
Marco Ardolino
author_facet Cosimo Pacciani
Eleonora Catellani
Andrea Bacchetti
Chiara Corbo
Federica Ciccullo
Marco Ardolino
author_sort Cosimo Pacciani
collection DOAJ
description This study aims to examine the current state of awareness regarding Agriculture 4.0 (A4.0) among Italian agricultural enterprises and to analyse variations in adoption levels, expressed needs, perceived benefits, challenges and barriers to digitalisation. Drawing on data from a descriptive survey conducted among Italian farms in 2024, this study presents findings from 1,248 respondents. The results indicate varying levels of adoption of A4.0 solutions, with monitoring systems and connected vehicles being the most widely implemented. The primary drivers for A4.0 adoption include farm management, operational control, and the enhancement of production efficiency, all of which are associated with significant perceived benefits. However, challenges such as limited interoperability and skill shortages hinder A4.0 implementation, while financial and structural constraints remain major barriers for farms seeking to transition to A4.0. This study offers valuable insights to inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in fostering a more effective and inclusive digital transformation in the Italian agricultural sector.
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publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher Firenze University Press
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series Bio-based and Applied Economics
spelling doaj-art-dd833bb94c954ae4991bd1fdd254aec02025-08-20T03:25:27ZengFirenze University PressBio-based and Applied Economics2280-61802280-61722025-07-0110.36253/bae-17382Agriculture 4.0: Technological Adoption, Drivers, Benefits and Challenges in Italy. A Descriptive SurveyCosimo Pacciani0Eleonora Catellani1Andrea Bacchetti2Chiara Corbo3Federica Ciccullo4Marco Ardolino5Politecnico di MilanoDepartment of Management Engineering, Politecnico di MilanoDepartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of BresciaDepartment of Management Engineering, Politecnico di MilanoDepartment of Management Engineering, Politecnico di MilanoDepartment of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia This study aims to examine the current state of awareness regarding Agriculture 4.0 (A4.0) among Italian agricultural enterprises and to analyse variations in adoption levels, expressed needs, perceived benefits, challenges and barriers to digitalisation. Drawing on data from a descriptive survey conducted among Italian farms in 2024, this study presents findings from 1,248 respondents. The results indicate varying levels of adoption of A4.0 solutions, with monitoring systems and connected vehicles being the most widely implemented. The primary drivers for A4.0 adoption include farm management, operational control, and the enhancement of production efficiency, all of which are associated with significant perceived benefits. However, challenges such as limited interoperability and skill shortages hinder A4.0 implementation, while financial and structural constraints remain major barriers for farms seeking to transition to A4.0. This study offers valuable insights to inform policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in fostering a more effective and inclusive digital transformation in the Italian agricultural sector. https://oaj.fupress.net/index.php/bae/article/view/17382agriculture 4.0smart farmingdigital agriculturesurvey
spellingShingle Cosimo Pacciani
Eleonora Catellani
Andrea Bacchetti
Chiara Corbo
Federica Ciccullo
Marco Ardolino
Agriculture 4.0: Technological Adoption, Drivers, Benefits and Challenges in Italy. A Descriptive Survey
Bio-based and Applied Economics
agriculture 4.0
smart farming
digital agriculture
survey
title Agriculture 4.0: Technological Adoption, Drivers, Benefits and Challenges in Italy. A Descriptive Survey
title_full Agriculture 4.0: Technological Adoption, Drivers, Benefits and Challenges in Italy. A Descriptive Survey
title_fullStr Agriculture 4.0: Technological Adoption, Drivers, Benefits and Challenges in Italy. A Descriptive Survey
title_full_unstemmed Agriculture 4.0: Technological Adoption, Drivers, Benefits and Challenges in Italy. A Descriptive Survey
title_short Agriculture 4.0: Technological Adoption, Drivers, Benefits and Challenges in Italy. A Descriptive Survey
title_sort agriculture 4 0 technological adoption drivers benefits and challenges in italy a descriptive survey
topic agriculture 4.0
smart farming
digital agriculture
survey
url https://oaj.fupress.net/index.php/bae/article/view/17382
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