Digitalization in Swedish agroecological contexts: understanding technology adoption using social practice theory

As digital technologies are rapidly transforming agricultural systems, questions remain about their compatibility with agroecological approaches. This study examines how agroecological and proto-agroecological farmers in Sweden adopt and perceive digital tools. Drawing on Social Practice Theory, we explore how competence, materials, and meaning shape the uptake of technologies across four categories: precision technologies, robotic equipment, digital sales platforms, and digital learning tools. Based on a mixed-method survey of 60 farmers, our results show that while digital sales and learning tools are widely used and viewed as supportive of agroecological principles, more advanced technologies such as robotics and precision technologies remain marginal. We develop a typology of digital innovation configurations (enabling, neutral, and constraining) and interpret these through the lens of transformative innovation policy. Our findings highlight the need for context-specific, participatory, and inclusive innovation pathways if digital tools are to contribute meaningfully to agroecological transitions.