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Navigating technology adoption: mapping beef producers’ decision journeys
Author
Wilson, CA
Hay, R
McShane, C
Atkinson, I
Publisher
XII International Rangeland Congress
Publication Year
2025
Body

The adoption of agricultural technology (AgTech) and innovations by graziers is crucial for enhancing productivity and sustainability in the rangelands. However, the decision-making process is often complex and fraught with risk and uncertainty. This PhD project aims to support informed adoption decisions among beef producers in Queensland, Australia. Participatory research interviews were conducted with a diverse range of industry stakeholders. Insights from these interviews were synthesized into a co-designed Customer Journey Map (CJM), which visually maps key decision points against the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) stages —Knowledge, Persuasion, Decision, Implementation, and Confirmation. The CJM framework effectively guided the co-design process, enabling participants to contribute their unique perspectives. The completed CJM provides a structured visual representation of the adoption process. It served as a pivotal tool in facilitating discussions during subsequent semi-structured interviews with beef producers and AgTech companies. By framing these interviews around the dynamic adoption process, the CJM aided in recalling crucial decision points and eliciting detailed insights into decision-making processes. Beyond this project, the CJM serves as a versatile tool applicable to research focused on adoption decisions. Future phases will explore mapped decision points, focusing on identifying heuristics and biases that influence AgTech adoption. These insights will benefit stakeholders aiming to enhance extension and adoption programs. Additionally, findings from this study are positioned to align with current trends in artificial intelligence (AI). There is potential for personalized decision support tools to leverage this knowledge to offer tailored advice, supporting adoption and reducing decision fatigue.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Additional Information
This paper is part of the larger XII International Rangelands Congress Proceedings. Page Numbers: 587-591. Theme: Theme 3 / The role of technology in facilitating collaborative rangelands research
ISSN
978-0-646-72121-7
Conference Name
International Rangeland Congress
Collection
International Rangelands Congress
Keywords
decision-making
customer journey map
AgTech
innovation diffusion
adoption pathways