The digital revolution in agriculture: opportunity or risk?

The digital revolution in agriculture: opportunity or risk?

The changes in agriculture are obvious. Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are increasingly revolutionizing the industry. This requires the introduction of new, smart services that can increase the efficiency, sustainability and resilience of agricultural production systems. Business School Berlin reports that the leading company Kwizda Agro, a supplier of crop protection products in Europe, has recognized these digital opportunities and is actively developing corresponding skills.

Shortly against this background, a workshop took place at the BSP Business and Law School on June 16, 2025, led by Prof. Wissing. The workshop, which took place in collaboration with the digital consultancy Disruptive, covered digital business models. Participants received insights into research on digital services and data monetization.

Opportunities through digitalization

Digitalization in agriculture offers enormous opportunities, especially through the networking of processes and actors along the value chain. Fraunhofer IESE emphasizes that Agriculture 4.0 is characterized by the constant collection and evaluation of data. This enables intelligent linking of information, which increases the yield of knowledge.

A central concern is overcoming existing system boundaries between sensors, machines and software. The development of data-driven services via Farm Management Information Systems (FMIS) forms the basis for new digital ecosystems. These enable the easy exchange of data and information, resulting in a variety of relationships between participants that can be both competitive and collaborative.

Autonomous machines and their effects

Another important aspect of digital transformation in agriculture is the development of autonomous machines. How Fraunhofer IESE notes, the introduction of fully autonomous tractors and combine harvesters is already having a major impact on global agriculture.

A study carried out by Fraunhofer IESE and the Kleffmann Group examines the existing technology and future market developments for autonomous agricultural machinery. It turns out that there are significant changes in agricultural work processes that are closely linked to the development of these technologies.

Key influencing factors identified in this study will help design future scenarios up to 2045. These developments highlight the need and potential for innovative approaches to agriculture driven by advanced technologies.

In search of new business areas and innovative ideas, Kwizda Agro emphasizes the importance of creating digital infrastructures that ensure efficient data exchange. Your goal is to promote both digital value and experience and thus increase sales.

Overall, these developments show that the digital transformation of agriculture not only offers opportunities, but also requires fundamental adaptation to new circumstances, which is characterized by innovative technologies and digital ecosystems.