Exploring the Connection Between Enabling Factors and Digital Technology Adoption in Agricultural Industries

The digitalisation of agricultural industries brings about significant organisational, technological, and societal transformations. Despite the predominantly traditional nature of the agricultural sector, the adoption of digital technologies has witnessed a recent upsurge, fostering heightened productivity and efficiency. While the literature has seen more studies focusing on the digitalisation of agricultural industries, these investigations encompass diverse countries and contexts. Notably, studies that examine a specific context, such as Italy, and discern the pivotal enabling factors instrumental in adopting digital technology are absent. Hence, the primary objective of our study is to survey agricultural industries and unearth the enabling factors. These factors are subsequently subjected to non-parametric testing aimed at substantiating the existence of a consequential nexus between these factors and the adoption of digital technologies in the Italian agricultural sector. Our findings illuminate the significance of specific factors over others. These initial results enrich an understanding of the intricate interplay between enabling factors and digital technology adoption in agricultural industries. These insights deepen our comprehension and chart a course for prospective research endeavours.