Unmanned Agricultural Robotics Techniques for Enhancing Entrepreneurial Competitiveness in Emerging Markets: A Central Romanian Case Study

Ioana Madalina Petre, Mircea Boșcoianu, Pompilica Iagăru () and Romulus Iagăru
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Ioana Madalina Petre: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania
Mircea Boșcoianu: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania
Pompilica Iagăru: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Food Industry and Environmental Protection, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 7-9 dr. Ion Ratiu Street, 550012 Sibiu, Romania
Romulus Iagăru: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Food Industry and Environmental Protection, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 7-9 dr. Ion Ratiu Street, 550012 Sibiu, Romania

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-23

Abstract: Recently, the market for miniaturized Unmanned Agricultural Robots has experienced rapid development worldwide, driven by advances in robotics, artificial intelligence and precision agriculture. These technologies are no longer confined to highly industrialized countries but are increasingly penetrating emerging economies, including Romania, where they hold significant potential for transforming farming practices and entrepreneurial competitiveness. The purpose of the present paper is to present strategies for enhancing the competitive advantage of agricultural entrepreneurs in Romania’s Central Region. This is achieved by leveraging competitive advantage through value creation, specifically by deepening strategies for the rapid integration of new miniaturized robotic products. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques to investigate the ability of key stakeholders—agricultural entrepreneurs, precision agriculture product/service providers, institutional representatives, and investors—to dynamically adapt to evolving market conditions. The study’s findings reveal a strong interest and readiness among precision agriculture stakeholders to adopt advanced technologies, supported by robust operational knowledge management practices including external knowledge acquisition, strategic partnerships and data protection. Although agricultural entrepreneurs exhibit considerable adaptive and absorptive capacities—evidenced by their openness to innovation and collaboration—persistent barriers such as high equipment costs and limited financing access continue to impede the broad adoption of miniaturized robotic solutions. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for supportive policies and collaborative financing models and it suggests future research on adoption dynamics, cross-country comparisons and the role of education in accelerating agricultural robotics.

Keywords: unmanned agricultural robots; precision agriculture; competitiveness; knowledge-management capabilities; dynamic-capabilities (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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