Innovation and sustainability in Agriculture 4.0: a systematic review via the TEMAC Method on the benefits, challenges, and trends of digital technologies

Authors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47456/bjpe.v12i4.52615
Keywords:
Smart farming systems, Technology adoption, Innovation management, Agricultural sustainability, Digital transformation
Abstract

This study analyzed the impact of Agriculture 4.0 on the modernization of the agricultural sector, highlighting the role of digital technologies in promoting innovation and sustainability. The central question guiding the study is: what are the main benefits, challenges, and trends associated with digital technologies in Agriculture 4.0, according to recent scientific production? The methodology consisted of a systematic review based on the Consolidated Meta-Analytic Approach (TEMAC). Documentary research was conducted in the Scopus database, yielding 116 studies. Data analysis utilized TagCrowd software to identify recurring terms and VOSviewer to generate network and density maps for co-citation, co-authorship, and bibliographic coupling. Additionally, the final portfolio of seven articles underwent qualitative thematic analysis through evidence matrices. The results reveal a strong consensus in the literature around benefits such as sustainability, increased productivity, and waste reduction, with sustainability emerging as the most recurrent theme in the analyzed portfolio. Key challenges include the need for technical training, social risks of digitalization, and high operational costs. Trends indicate the expansion of automation, advancements in Artificial Intelligence, and the structuring of co-innovation models, evidencing the growing role of digital technologies in the transition toward globally efficient and resilient agriculture.

Author Biographies
  1. Ana Danieli Pianzola Rocha, Federal University of Espírito Santo

    Graduanda em Engenharia de Produção pela Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES). https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9936-7577

  2. João Paulo Zancanella Santana, Federal University of Espírito Santo

    Graduando em Engenharia de Produção pela Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES). https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9576-5715

  3. Rafaela Alves Bozzi, Federal University of Espírito Santo

    Graduanda em Engenharia de Produção pela Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES). https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8736-3567

  4. Sarah Pessini Montovani, Federal University of Espírito Santo

    Graduanda em Engenharia de Produção pela Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES). https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6514-7749

  5. Thiara Cezana Gomes, Federal University of Espírito Santo

    Doutora em Engenharia Ambiental (Recursos Hídricos); Mestre em Engenharia Civil (Transportes); Especialista em Engenharia de Segurança do Trabalho e em Engenharia de Suprimentos; Graduada em Engenheira de Produção. Atualmente é professora efetiva do Departamento de Engenharia de Produção da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES). https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6279-4008

  6. Flávio Curbani, Federal University of Espírito Santo

    Engenheiro Mecânico (2000) e Mestre em Engenharia Ambiental (2004) pela UFES, Engenheiro de Segurança do Trabalho (2006) pelo IFES, Especialista em Engenharia de Campo de Saúde, Meio Ambiente e Segurança do Trabalho pelo PROMINP/UFES (2007), MBA em Gestão Empresarial pela FGV (2016) e Doutor em Ecologia pela UVV (2021). Atualmente é Consultor Técnico na EcoSoft Soluções Ambientais, Professor Adjunto na UFES (CT/DTI), também atua como colaborador científico no Projeto Caiman/IMD e no Enterprise Lab/ICCA. Tem experiência em Engenharia, Meio Ambiente, Ecologia, Segurança do Trabalho, Sustentabilidade, Gestão e nas seguintes áreas de atuação: monitoramento da qualidade do ar, material particulado, inventários de emissões atmosféricas, fluidodinâmica computacional, modelagem da dispersão de poluentes atmosféricos, prevenção e controle de emissões atmosféricas, avaliação de impactos ambientais, toxicologia, ecologia e conservação da biodiversidade.  https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7851-7868

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Cover Image
Scientific communication cover from the Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering (BJPE), titled “Agricultura 4.0: Inovação para a Sustentabilidade?” (“Agriculture 4.0: Innovation for Sustainability?”). The central image shows a green seedling growing in soil inside a glass light bulb, symbolizing the relationship between innovation, technology, and sustainability in agriculture. The BJPE logo, represented by a colorful hot-air balloon, appears in the upper-left corner. Below the title are the authors “Rocha, Santana, Bozzi, Montovani, Gomes & Curbani (2026)”. The lower section displays the logos of PPGCP, UFES – São Mateus Campus, the Research Center for Production Systems Management (NP GSP), Production Engineering, and FAPES. The footer identifies the publication as the “Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering”.
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Published
2026-11-13
Issue
Vol. 12 No. 4 (2026): Regular Issue (October - December) *Continuous Publication of Articles*
Section
AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rocha, A. D. P., Santana, J. P. Z., Bozzi, R. A., Montovani, S. P., Gomes, T. C., & Curbani, F.

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How to Cite

Rocha, A. D. P., Santana, J. P. Z., Bozzi, R. A., Montovani, S. P., Gomes, T. C., & Curbani, F. (2026). Innovation and sustainability in Agriculture 4.0: a systematic review via the TEMAC Method on the benefits, challenges, and trends of digital technologies. Brazilian Journal of Production Engineering, 12(4), 194-208. https://doi.org/10.47456/bjpe.v12i4.52615