Modeling Digital Transition in Regional Agro-Food Districts in Ialy : A PLS-SEM Analysis

This research explores the multi-faceted factors influencing the digital transformation of Italy's Agro-Food Districts (IAFDs) concerning the governance systems, the environment, adoption behavioral elements, and contextual structure. It tests a conceptual model based on ecological modernization, governance, and technology adoption with PLS-SEM (Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling). The findings indicate that social-contextual structures, financial resources, and infrastructure enhance governance effectiveness, while legal frameworks have minimal impact. Furthermore, governance, in conjunction with attitudes toward digital adoption and ecological sustainability, becomes a vital driver of digital transition. Most importantly, stakeholders’ digital adoption strongly drives the transition, emphasizing the importance of perception, attitudes, and digital adoption perceptions. These outcomes emphasize that digital shifts within agro-food systems are not only driven by technology; instead, they are profoundly social and ecological shifts requiring integrated governance and active stakeholder participation. This study makes important contributions to the literature and offers guidance toward resilient and sustainable policy, managerial, and practical frameworks for fostering digital transition in rural food systems. The findings also support the wider European policies concerning green and digital transitions, illustrating the need for tailored rural innovation strategies.