Policy instruments, governance networks, and implementation dilemmas in digital agriculture: Evidence from China

The policy-driven development of digital agriculture serves as a crucial approach to effectively integrating information technology across all aspects of agriculture, thereby enhancing the quality of agricultural productivity. This study analyzes 40 national-level digital agriculture policy documents in China, conducting a quantitative analysis from the perspectives of instruments and policy networks to explore challenges in implementing digital agriculture policies. The study classifies digital agriculture policy instruments into three categories: supply-oriented, environment-oriented, and demand-oriented. An analysis of the status of policy tool usage reveals issues such as structural imbalances and ineffective application of these tools. In terms of governance network, implementation difficulties include conflicts of interest among stakeholders in digital agricultural policy implementation and a need for integrated development among these stakeholders. This study proposes optimization strategies for implementing digital agricultural policies by balancing the structural proportions of policy instruments, enhancing their operability, establishing a coordination mechanism for stakeholder interests, promoting scientific and technological innovation, and integrating industry, academia, and research. The findings of this study can serve as decision-making references for countries or regions worldwide, promoting high-quality development in digital agriculture and accelerating agricultural modernization.