Agritech policy landscape: Insights from relevant stakeholders on policy issues and strategic plans in Italy

Agricultural practices face growing challenges, including climate change, resource constraints, meeting sustainability goals and food security. This study examines stakeholder perspectives on smart farming technologies and their integration into policy frameworks. A mixed-method approach, using triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data, combines an online survey (targeting experts from academia, industry, and policymaking) distributed through the Agritech project network and face-to-face interviews (engaging key stakeholders with in-depth knowledge of agricultural policy and technology implementation). Key findings reveal significant optimism about the potential of smart technologies to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and productivity in agriculture. However, widespread adoption is hindered by barriers such as high initial investment costs and a lack of technical knowledge. The study identifies policy gaps and provides actionable recommendations, including financial incentives, capacity-building initiatives, and improved infrastructure, to support the integration of these technologies. The findings underscore the critical need for adaptive policies that align with the evolving landscape of agricultural innovation, ensuring equitable access and long-term sustainability.