Promoting innovation adoption in the agricultural sector: the case of Lithuania and the Czech Republic

Purpose. The purpose of the study – to assess the differences in agricultural innovativeness in Lithuania and the Czech Republic and to explain the need and ways of promoting agricultural innovativeness in both countries. Methodology / approach. First, a comparative analysis of statistical data was conducted (a quantitative study). Data from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Lithuania and the Czech Republic, Eurostat, and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) were used for the analysis. Lithuanian agricultural indicators were evaluated in the context of the EU. Additionally, 10 experts were interviewed (a qualitative study). Five experts were interviewed from each of Lithuania and the Czech Republic. The interviews were conducted using a semi-structured approach. Results. The study reveals that farmers in both the Czech Republic and Lithuania face obstacles in obtaining financial support for innovation and in accessing information about cutting-edge farming techniques, regardless of the size of their farms. However, the situation in the Czech Republic is somewhat less complex due to its larger agricultural sector, making the issue of financial support for innovation more straightforward to navigate compared to Lithuania. Farmers in both countries demonstrate a favourable attitude toward innovation. The study presents practical recommendations for enhancing the agricultural innovation ecosystem and the adoption of innovations in the agricultural sector. It emphasises the need to simplify the application process for financial assistance and improve communication strategies so that farmers are well informed and prepared to implement new technologies. Furthermore, it calls for increased community-building initiatives among farmers to foster an environment conducive to knowledge sharing and collaboration. Insights from expert interviews indicate that providing personalised advice and customised training programs can significantly bolster the ability of small and medium-sized farms to innovate and compete effectively not only in the local market but also in global ones. Originality / scientific novelty. This article contributes to the academic discourse on agricultural innovation by providing a comparative analysis of the innovativeness of the agricultural sectors in two different Central and Eastern European countries. It uniquely addresses many challenges faced by farmers, including environmental concerns, limited access to financial support, and a shortage of qualified agricultural experts. The novelty of the study lies in its dual methodology – combining quantitative data from statistical analyses with qualitative insights from expert interviews. Practical value / implications. This approach not only enriches the understanding of agricultural innovation in Lithuania and the Czech Republic but also highlights the need for tailored strategies that take into account the specific socio-economic contexts of small and medium-sized farms. By identifying the barriers to innovation adoption and highlighting the differences in agricultural policies and practices between the two countries, this research provides valuable practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.