Convergence between industry 4.0 and smart agriculture: opportunities and challenges for small and medium-sized agri-food enterprises
Keywords:
Industry 4.0, Smart Agriculture, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, agri-food small and medium-sized enterprises.Abstract
The convergence of Industry 4.0 and Smart Agriculture has transformed agri-food systems through the incorporation of digital technologies that promote more efficient, sustainable, and data-driven production. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, Big Data, cloud computing, smart sensors, and robotics are changing the way small and medium-sized agri-food enterprises (SMEs) manage their production processes, optimise resources, and strengthen their competitiveness. The objective of this narrative review was to analyse the scientific literature on the convergence between Industry 4.0 and Smart Agriculture, identifying the main technologies involved, the opportunities they offer for agri-food SMEs, and the challenges that influence their adoption. To this end, a review of scientific publications, technical reports, and institutional documents published between 2015 and 2024 was conducted using evidence retrieved from specialised databases and international organisations. The reviewed evidence shows that the integration of digital technologies improves productivity, facilitates data-driven decision-making, increases the efficiency of water, energy, and other input use, strengthens traceability across the agri-food supply chain, and promotes more sustainable production models. However, the literature also identifies limitations related to high implementation costs, insufficient technological infrastructure, poor connectivity in rural areas, limited digital skills, interoperability among digital platforms, and data governance. It is concluded that the convergence between Industry 4.0 and Smart Agriculture represents a strategic opportunity to modernise agri-food SMEs; nevertheless, its consolidation requires public policies, technological investment, capacity building, and cooperation among academia, industry, and government to foster an inclusive and sustainable digital transformation.
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