Are there any specific national and European policies that aim to support higher education institutions (HEIs) in advancing digital agriculture research and education?

Digital agriculture (DA) is revolutionizing the agri-food sector by integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and precision farming. Recognizing the transformative potential of DA, both the European Union (EU) and Greece have implemented policies to bolster higher education institutions (HEIs) in advancing research and education in this field. 

European Union Initiatives 

The EU has launched several strategic initiatives to promote digital transformation in agriculture and higher education. 

The Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027) aims to enhance digital skills and competencies across Europe, emphasizing the integration of digital tools in education, which is crucial for the adoption of digital agriculture technologies.  

Under the Horizon Europe Framework Programme, the EU provides funding for research and innovation projects, including those focused on digital agriculture, facilitating collaborations among HEIs and research institutions. In this context, the TALLHEDA Project aims to establish long-term alliances between agricultural HEIs in widening countries and leading universities, focusing on enhancing research and education standards in digital agriculture through collaboration with local and international stakeholders. 

The European Strategy for Universities encourages HEIs to lead in the digital and green transitions by promoting interdisciplinary research and education, supporting the development of joint programs and research initiatives in areas like digital agriculture.  

Greek National Policies and Initiatives 

Greece has developed comprehensive strategies to support digital transformation in agriculture and higher education. 

The Digital Transformation Strategy 2020–2025, also known as the "Digital Bible," outlines Greece's priorities for digital transformation, including the development of digital skills across all levels of education. It emphasizes embedding digital skills courses within higher education curricula and launching training programs for all ages through a lifelong learning approach. 

The Digital Transformation Paper 2020–2025 presents specific interventions aligning national actions with EU guidelines, focusing on developing digital skills, transforming businesses, and enhancing digital public services. It highlights the importance of harmonizing education programs with technological developments and strengthening digital skills in public administration. 

Digital Decade Strategic Roadmap sets strategic goals to be achieved by 2030, including training initiatives to develop basic digital skills and the establishment of a National Digital Competency Framework and certification system based on DigComp 2.2. The roadmap also includes plans to train 120,000 teachers over the period 2023–2025.  

The National Coalition for Digital Skills and Jobs in Greece coordinates efforts to enhance digital skills across the population, allocating €82.5 million for upskilling and reskilling programs for private and public sector employees. The coalition promotes synergies between public and private sectors and has published the Greek version of DigComp 2.2 to provide a standardized framework for digital competencies.  

Furthermore, the DigiAgriFood European Digital Innovation Hub focuses on empowering the digital and green transformation of the agri-food value chain in Central and Northern Greece. It specializes in artificial intelligence technologies, advanced digital skills, and high-performance computing, contributing to the objectives of the "Digital Europe 2021–2027" program.  

The Agricultural University of Athens offers a Master of Science program in "Digital Technologies and Smart Infrastructure in Agriculture" aiming to equip graduates with skills in modern agriculture, including precision agriculture, Internet of Things, robotics, and machine learning. 

In 2023, the first-ever joint research laboratory in digital agriculture between Greece and China was established at the Agricultural University of Athens, fostering global collaboration and academic excellence in smart agriculture.  

The advancement of digital agriculture is a shared priority across the EU and Greece. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, both entities aim to integrate digital technologies into agriculture and higher education, fostering innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in the agri-food sector.