Social expectations for Agriculture 4.0. Evidence from Living Labs in the Mediterranean greenhouse sector
研究了地中海四个地区温室农业中采用决策支持系统带来的社会影响预期，发现学习技能、健康和福祉有望改善，但性别差距和弱势群体包容仍是挑战，强调因地制宜的政策干预。
Agriculture 4.0 technologies, including digital tools, e.g., the Internet of Things and Cloud Computing, promise significant environmental and economic benefits for intensive farming systems like greenhouses. However, their social impacts remain controversial and relatively underexplored compared to environmental and economic impacts. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by providing empirical evidence on actor expectations for the social impacts of Agriculture 4.0 technologies, specifically through the adoption of a decision support system in greenhouse farming. Using a qualitative assessment framework, the study explores the relevance and mechanisms of social impacts based on perspectives collected from four case studies in Almería (Spain), Antalya (Turkey), Monastir (Tunisia), and Tuscany (Italy). The findings reveal significant regional variations in the expected social outcomes of decision support system's adoption. While improvements in learning and skills, health, and wellbeing are anticipated, challenges remain in addressing gender gaps and the inclusion of vulnerable groups. The study underscores the importance of tailoring Agriculture 4.0 interventions to local socio-economic and political contexts to maximise their benefits. It also highlights the need for continuous training, skill enhancement, and holistic societal interventions to ensure equitable and sustainable outcomes. These insights provide valuable guidance for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners aiming to leverage digital agriculture for social sustainability. • Agriculture 4.0 can enhance social outcomes, but benefits may vary by region. • Key areas of social benefits are learning and skills, health, farmers' wellbeing. • Equity and trust may rise, but fair value distribution needs cooperation initiatives. • Benefits may not be achieved in gender gap and inclusion for vulnerable groups. • Digital tools and policy should be tailored to regional contexts and actor needs.