General details
EDIHs involved
Challenges
The primary challenge lay in bridging the gap between a diverse array of stakeholders within the agricultural business ecosystem and promoting the widespread adoption of digital technologies. This task was particularly daunting in an environment where many companies continued to depend on traditional methods, often rooted in decades of practice, and where there was a significant knowledge gap regarding the benefits of digitalisation.
Overcoming these barriers required not only an understanding of the industry's varied needs but also the development of tailored strategies to educate and engage businesses. This involved demonstrating how digital tools could enhance efficiency, profitability, and sustainability across the value chain, from farm management to supply chain logistics. The challenge was further compounded by the need to build trust in new technologies, addressing concerns about cost, complexity, and potential disruptions to established workflows.
Solutions
FUNDECYT-PCTEX decided to use the Agroexpo 2024 platform to organise a conference program dedicated to advanced digitalisation in agriculture. By being part of this international event, the program was able to attract a specialised audience, ensuring that the information reached those most capable of implementing technological changes.
Additionally, by being present at the event with a DIH stand, more than 30,000 visitors who attended Agroexpo 2024 had access to information about the EDIH and the conferences organised, significantly increasing the program's reach and potential impact.
The Digital Innovation Hub of Extremadura's Activity Program at Agroexpo 2024 was as follows:
The adoption of digital technologies in agriculture requires significant investment, which can be out of reach for SMEs. Public investment is crucial in lowering these financial barriers by providing funding for research, development, and initial implementation phases. Programmes like PADIH (Support Programme for Digital Innovation Hubs) are essential for covering these costs, reducing financial risks, and encouraging SMEs to adopt innovative technologies.
Results and Benefits
Agricultural companies demonstrated strong interest in the technological solutions showcased during the conferences, prompting the initiation of digital transformation processes across the sector. The program played a pivotal role in fostering strategic alliances between agricultural companies and technology providers, paving the way for substantial advancements in operational efficiency and sector-wide innovation.
Participation in Agroexpo also significantly strengthened connections among key stakeholders in Extremadura's agricultural sector, cultivating a more collaborative and innovation-driven environment. Furthermore, the event sparked considerable interest among SMEs in joining the national public funding program, PADIH (Support Program for Digital Innovation Hubs). By leveraging these public resources, SMEs are now better positioned to adopt cutting-edge technologies that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and unlock new market opportunities, ultimately contributing to the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the agricultural industry.
Perceived social/economic impact
Leveraging Agroexpo to promote digitalisation in the agricultural sector has significantly motivated local companies to enhance their competitiveness in an increasingly globalised market. By embracing new technologies, these businesses are not only poised to optimise production processes and reduce operational costs, but also to unlock new market opportunities on both domestic and international stages. This shift toward digitalisation is expected to play a crucial role in driving sustainable economic growth across the region, fostering innovation, improving resource management, and ultimately strengthening the agricultural sector's resilience against global market fluctuations and environmental challenges.
Measurable data
Agroexpo 2024 featured the participation of over 500 exhibiting companies from 30 countries.
More than 30,000 participants attended AGROEXPO, consisting of companies and key players in the agricultural sector. Over 50 specialized conferences and workshops were held. They had access to the conferences and workshops organized by FUNDECYT-PCTEX thanks to a dedicated stand.
Several attendees showed interest in the workshops and demonstrations being conducted, as well as in the EDIH stand. A record of 26 participants was taken. Additionally, a new collaboration between companies and technology providers was identified. A meeting was arranged with an SME dedicated to the production and marketing of fruits and vegetables to participate in the PADIH funding program. Following this meeting, their advanced digitalization needs were assessed, and their project was assigned to one of the project partners, specifically AEXTIC (Extremadura Business Association of Information and Communication Technologies), which could address their needs. They have now initiated the application process with the EOI (School of Industrial Organization) to participate in the PADIH funding program, requesting initial advisory services for technology implementation and assistance in seeking funding.
Lessons learned
Do’s:
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Strategic Integration into Existing Events: Utilise established and relevant events like Agroexpo to maximise the reach and relevance of scheduled activities.
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Targeting Key Audiences: Tailor the content of the conferences to the specific needs and challenges of the agricultural audience present at the fair.
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Providing Practical and Applicable Content: Ensure that presentations and workshops offer practical knowledge that attendees can implement in their operations.
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Facilitating Networking: Create spaces within the program for attendees to interact with technology experts and potential business partners.
Don’ts:
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Do Not Miss the Opportunity to Connect: Avoid scheduling that does not allow for interaction and networking, which is crucial for establishing valuable relationships during the fair.
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Avoid Overloading the Program: Maintain a balance between the amount of content presented and the time available to absorb it, avoiding information overload.
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