Reconfiguring the Farm’s Micro-AKIS Within the Twin Transition: A Case Study on the Comino Valley Biodistrict

This study explores the “twin transition” within the Comino Valley Biodistrict, Italy. Adopting a relational perspective, the paper investigates how the uptake of digital solutions reconfigures farmers’ agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (micro-AKIS). Data were collected via an online questionnaire from 140 farms and analysed using a categorisation of Basic, Medium, and Advanced adopters. Findings reveal that digital adoption is uneven and significantly shaped by sociodemographic factors, trust, and network engagement. Advanced adopters, typically younger and more educated, leverage diverse networks—including private consultants and research institutions—to support innovation. Conversely, Medium adopters face a “relational gap”, exhibiting the weakest bridging and linking ties, which hinders their digital integration. The results suggest that while digital tools can enable smart rural development, their adoption is not a “one-size-fits-all” process. The study concludes that tailored policy interventions, such as targeted training and support for hybrid networking under the Common Agricultural Policy, are essential to bridge these digital divides and foster resilient, sustainable agro-food systems.