Global Institute for Agri-Tech Economics

Linking economics and science to analyse the role of innovative agricultural technologies in achieving global economic, environmental and social objectives.

Sustainable intensification, food security, climate change and the adoption of innovation and best practice are key global agendas discussed widely in public and private forums. The use of new technologies such as swarm robotics, drones, autonomous vehicles, telemetrics, electronic identification, artificial intelligence and blockchains as a means of tackling these issues is rapidly growing. Alongside this is a growing need to provide economic analysis of such technologies. Agri-Tech Economics is an emerging field of research focused on providing economic intelligence to define the role of agricultural technologies in future farming systems, value chains and trade.

The Global Institute for Agri-Tech Economics is a worldwide network of leading multidisciplinary researchers and stakeholders which brings together experts working on the application, adaptation and adoption of innovative agricultural technology. The Institute is committed to developing and implementing:

• Economic analyses to inform decision making at the private and public policy levels through applied research and international collaboration.
• A multidisciplinary team approach to identifying challenges and addressing the gaps between technology development and decision making in risky and uncertain environments.
• Data analytics to aid real-time decision making in value chains and policy.
• A mechanism for the exchange of ideas, feedback on research results and for jointly promoting high level interdisciplinary research into Agri-Tech Economics.
• Increased engagement with global farming community, industry and government stakeholders to influence the discussion around the future of Agri-Tech and accelerate the translation of economic research into practical applications and adoption.
• Research, teaching and capacity development through postgraduate and undergraduate opportunities across collaborating institutions.
• Improved Agri-Tech Economic knowledge and literacy through conferences, workshops, and short courses.

The research themes of the Global Institute for Agri-Tech Economics include:

• Farm management, risk and economics
• Productivity and efficiency of the farming sector
• Value chains, markets and trade
• Regulation, policy and governance

The Global Institute for Agri-Tech Economics is partially supported by the Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust and is closely aligned with the National Centre for Precision Farming at Harper Adams University. The institute welcomes contact from potential collaborators and prospective PhD students.

For further information on the Global Institute for Agri-Tech Economics please contact Professor Karl Behrendt.