Farmers in the Digital Ecosystem: Navigating Service Providers, Knowledge Networks, and Policy Structures

The digital transformation of agriculture is reshaping farming practices, knowledge exchange, and decision-making. However, the integration of digital technologies into farm management represents not only a technical shift but also a socio-economic and institutional challenge. This chapter explores how farmers across Europe perceive their role within emerging digital ecosystems, drawing on a thematic analysis of focus group discussions held in 18 living labs as part of the Horizon-funded CODECS project. The analysis focuses on farmers’ interactions with digital service providers, advisory networks, and policy structures, shedding light on key barriers, enablers, and perceived costs and benefits of digitalisation. Findings reveal that while digital tools offer promise in optimising farm operations and improving market access, farmers often encounter challenges related to data ownership, trust in service providers, and the alignment of digital policies with on-the-ground realities. By framing farmers as active participants in digital ecosystems rather than passive adopters of technology, this chapter offers insights into how digitalisation can more effectively support rural communities and promote agricultural sustainability.