We are pleased to announce that the TOP4HoneyChains research team, led by prof. dr hab. Ewa W. Ziemba, has published another scientific article in a prestigious beekeeping journal included in the Journal Citation Reports (also known as the Philadelphia List).
Anna Karmańska, Ewa W. Ziemba, Ewa W. Maruszewska, Sławomir Jarka (2025). Socio-Demographic Factors Influencing Adoption of Digital Technologies in Beekeeping. Journal of Apicultural Science, 69(1), 29–41.
The article analyzes the extent to which digital technologies are used by Polish beekeepers and the influence of socio-demographic factors on their adoption. A study conducted among 949 Polish beekeepers and 30 experts revealed that only 28.6% of beekeepers use digital technologies. The key factors influencing adoption were beekeeping experience, education in beekeeping, and age. Technology was most frequently used for apiary management, hive monitoring, and marketing activities. However, many beekeepers also perceived risks and barriers, such as costs, lack of knowledge, and attachment to traditional methods.
Based on data analysis, three main beekeeper profiles were identified:
- Knowledgeable Innovators - well-educated, engaged, and open to new technologies.
- Practitioners Open to Change - experienced beekeepers who adopt technology when they see practical benefits.
- Traditional Craft Masters - highly experienced, often skeptical of digital innovations, preferring traditional approaches.
The study’s findings can help beekeeping organizations and public institutions better tailor support and educational activities to more effectively promote the use of modern technologies in beekeeping.
The TOP4HoneyChains Project: Trustable and Sustainable Open Platform for Smart Honey Value Chains is funded by the National Centre for Research and Development under the ERA-NET CO-FUND ICT-AGRI-FOOD (2022) initiative, implemented as part of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (Grant Agreement No. 862665, 2023-2026, €200,000). The goal of the ERA-NET CO-FUND ICT-AGRI-FOOD initiative is to develop more transparent agri-food systems which, through the use of digital technologies, increase the transparency of the food value chain for consumers and other stakeholders.
We invite you to learn more about the project and its ongoing work on the project website, available in both Polish and English.
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