Assessing the Degree of Innovation in Romanian Agriculture: The Impact of Modern Technologies on Performance and Sustainability

This study investigates the adoption and perception of technological innovations and sustainable practices among farmers in the South-East region of Romania. The survey targeted mixed crop–livestock farms and post-harvest activities, providing a representative overview of the sector. Findings reveal a moderate uptake of digital tools, including farm management software, drones, and sensors, alongside notable reluctance toward biotechnologies. Conversely, respondents expressed greater receptivity to renewable energy solutions and organic farming. Overall, the level of digitalization remains low, with traditional practices prevailing, consistent with national patterns. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions—such as awareness campaigns, specialized training, financial incentives, pilot projects, and supportive public policies—to facilitate innovation and strengthen agricultural competitiveness. Future research should extend to a national scale and assess the specific economic and environmental impacts of individual technologies, thereby informing strategies to advance a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.