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Digital Readiness and ICT Use, an exploratory case study among Saffron growers in Western Macedonia, Greece
by Dimitrios Deligiannis | Vaggelis Saprikis | Paraskevi Gatzioufa

Access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) does not necessarily lead to their integration into agricultural production. The transition from access to practical use depends on the digital readiness of farmers, including their competences and perceptions of technology, as well as the behavioural intention and conditions that support the implementation. This study examines these factors among 79 saffron growers belonging to the Compulsory Cooperative of Saffron Producers of Kozani. The data were collected through online and paper questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistical and non-parametric tests, with a separate examination of the basic and advanced use of ICT. Respondents reported generally favourable perceptions about technology and moderate to high behavioural intent. Basic ICT were used significantly more frequently than advanced agricultural applications. Social influence was associated with behavioural intention but not with reported ICT use, suggesting that encouragement from “relevant others” can enhance willingness without addressing the practical constraints surrounding implementation. Age was negatively correlated with both behavioural intention and ICT use, while education showed positive correlations. Neither years of agricultural experience nor cultivated area were significantly correlated with behavioural intention or ICT use indicator. Overall, the findings suggest that digital readiness among saffron growers is selective and technology-specific rather than a binary condition. Progress towards advanced digital agriculture seems to depend not only on favourable perceptions, but also on the practical conditions that allow for the translation of behavioural intent into use.

JEL Classifications:Q12, O33, Q13

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The International Conference on Business & Economics of the Hellenic Open University (ICBE - HOU) aims to bring together leading scientists and researchers, affiliated with the HOU, to present, discuss and challenge their ideas opinions and research findings about all disciplines of Business Administration and Economics.
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