Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) have emerged as critical intermediaries in fostering the digital transformation of agriculture, particularly in bridging the gap between technological potential and on-the-ground application. This study conducts a comparative analysis of the role of DIHs in supporting agricultural development in Romania and Kenya, two nations with distinct agrarian structures and digital ecosystems. Through a mixed-methods approach involving case studies of 12 DIHs, surveys of 150 smallholder farmers and agribusinesses, and stakeholder interviews, we assessed the services, impacts, and challenges faced by these hubs. In Romania, DIHs are predominantly structured around EU funding and academic institutions, focusing on precision agriculture technologies, IoT solutions for large farms, and connecting farmers to CAP digital requirements. In Kenya, DIHs are often venture-backed or NGO-driven, prioritizing mobile-based services, pay-as-you-go models, and solutions tailored to smallholder challenges like market access and climate resilience. Our findings indicate that DIHs in both countries significantly improve technology adoption rates; farmers engaged with DIHs were 3.5 times more likely to use a digital advisory service. However, key challenges persist, including sustainable business models, the digital literacy gap among end-users, and the “pilot paradox” where solutions fail to scale. In Romania, DIHs struggle with reaching small-scale, elderly farmers, while in Kenya, issues of infrastructure and affordability are paramount. We conclude that DIHs are pivotal in contextualizing global AgriTech innovations to local realities. Their success hinges on developing multi-stakeholder partnerships, fostering user-centric design, and implementing hybrid business models that blend commercial and developmental objectives. Tailored support policies are needed to enhance their role as catalysts for an inclusive and sustainable digital agricultural revolution.

digitalization, agriculture, innovation, hub, importance

geodesy engineering

Presentation: poster