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Smart Agriculture and Technological Innovation: A Bibliometric Perspective on Digital Transformation and Sustainability

Author

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  • Claudia Gherțescu

    (Doctoral School in Economic Sciences Eugeniu Carada, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

  • Alina Georgiana Manta

    (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

  • Roxana Maria Bădîrcea

    (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

Abstract

Technological progress in agriculture plays an essential role in enhancing productivity, sustainability, and resilience. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of the concept of technological progress in agriculture using data extracted from the Web of Science database for the period 1979–2025. The main aim is to identify emerging trends, the structure of collaborative networks, and the influence of research on the development of smart agriculture. The methodology is based on a co-occurrence analysis of keywords, co-author networks, and institutional and international collaborations, providing a detailed insight into the dynamics of research in this field. The results show an accelerated growth of studies on the digitization of agriculture, with a particular focus on technologies such as artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, the Internet of Things, and agricultural process automation. According to the bibliometric analysis, China accounts for the largest share of publications in this field, followed by the United States and Australia. These countries also exhibit high levels of centrality in international collaboration networks, indicating their pivotal role in knowledge production and dissemination. Europe shows a fragmented but active collaborative network, while emerging countries are starting to strengthen their position through strategic partnerships. The findings suggest the need for transdisciplinary collaborations in order to mainstream technological progress in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of policies to support technology transfer and sustainable innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Claudia Gherțescu & Alina Georgiana Manta & Roxana Maria Bădîrcea, 2025. "Smart Agriculture and Technological Innovation: A Bibliometric Perspective on Digital Transformation and Sustainability," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-27, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:13:p:1388-:d:1689643
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