Diffusion of Innovations and Knowledge

New innovations, such as digital technologies in supply chain-related management (e.g. use of blockchains and artificial intelligence), or innovation that increase the efficiency of modern information processes (e.g. apps, drones and satellite-based information), promise the further modernisation of agriculture, especially in transition economies. This research domain focusses firstly on the preconditions that contribute to the successful development of new innovations by investigating the characteristics of the AKIS these processes take place in. Secondly, it investigates the conditions under which farmers choose to adopt certain new technologies, as well as the socio-economic, ecological and ethical consequences of such adoption on agricultural production, supply chains, and knowledge networks.
Current Research Projects

DITAC
DITAC analyzes the impact of digitalization in Chinese agriculture and the food industry on production, resources and trade. It estimates economic and environmental consequences and provides insights for future developments and international trade. The project contributes to the establishment of a center of excellence and enables the implementation of the results in policy and business.

eTrust-Food
The aim of the project is to understand consumer trust in agricultural production and origin of food in Western Balkan countries. This should help agri-food businesses improve their marketing strategies to increase consumer confidence and become more market competitive.

FOODScopeVR
The project investigates consumer behavior in Serbia to identify influencing factors in food value chains. In doing so, the newly established XR Digital Lab at IAMO uses immersive digital technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) to understand the development of the global agri-food industry and to foster international collaboration.