Bibliometric Analysis of the Adoption and Innovation of Agricultural Processing Technologies: A Global Perspective

The adoption and innovation of agricultural processing technology play a vital role in ensuring food security, sustainability, and competitiveness in the agricultural sector. This research presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of academic literature on agricultural processing technology adoption and innovation from a global perspective. The study aims to identify key research trends, influential authors, major research themes, and emerging areas of interest in this domain. The dataset was collected from reputable scholarly databases, and VOSviewer analysis was used to visualize co-authorship networks, keyword clusters, and citation impact maps. The results revealed seven distinct clusters of research themes, including agricultural enterprise and innovation policy, market competitiveness, quality of food processing technology, technology innovation for rural development, sustainable development, technology transfer, big data in agriculture, and agribusiness and innovation technology. Moreover, ten highly cited research papers were identified, signifying their significant impact on the field. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to enhance agricultural productivity, promote sustainable practices, and foster technology-driven innovations for a resilient global food system.


INTRODUCTION
Agricultural processing technologies are critical in transforming raw agricultural products into value-added products, contributing significantly to global food security and economic development. Over the past decades, technological advances have revolutionized agricultural processing, leading to increased efficiency, reduced waste and improved product quality [1]- [3].
However, the adoption and innovation of agro-processing technologies vary across regions and countries, and there remains a need for a comprehensive understanding of global trends and patterns in this area.
Rapidly changing global demographics, climate change, and rising food demand have put enormous pressure on the agricultural sector to increase productivity while minimizing environmental impacts [4]- [7]. To address these challenges, researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders must have access to up-to-date and reliable information on the latest developments, research trends, and key contributors in agro-processing technologies.
Previous research on adopting and innovating agricultural processing technology with bibliometric analysis is limited. However, some studies have conducted bibliometric analyses on related topics, such as blockchain technology in the food and agriculture industry [8], green technology awareness in food processing among students of prospective agricultural vocational teachers [9], and the application of blockchain technology in the agri-food system [10]. A study by [11] mapped the research trends on blockchain technology in the food and agriculture industry using a bibliometric analysis. The study aimed to provide insights into the current state of research in this area and identify potential future research directions. Another survey by [9] focused on green technology awareness in food processing among students of prospective agricultural vocational teachers. The study aimed to identify students' awareness and learning needs regarding green technology in food processing. [12] conducted a systematic bibliometric analysis of blockchain technology in the agri-food system, examining the growth trends in research publications and the countries and institutions involved in this research.
While these studies do not specifically focus on the adoption and innovation of agricultural processing technology, they provide insights into the broader context of technology and innovation in the agriculture and food processing sectors. Further research is needed to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis specifically focused on adopting and creating agricultural processing technology.
The main objective of this study is to conduct a thorough bibliometric analysis of the academic literature related to the adoption and innovation of agro-processing technologies on a global scale. Using bibliometric methods, this study aims to provide a comprehensive and datadriven understanding of the evolution of research in this area and its impact on the scientific community and society.

Agricultural Processing Technology
Agricultural processing technology is the application of machinery, equipment, and techniques to transform raw agricultural products into processed goods, ready for consumption or further manufacturing [13]- [15]. This crucial stage in the farm value chain involves various processes, such as cleaning, sorting, grading, milling, drying, and packaging. Appropriate processing technology enhances agricultural products' shelf life and quality and increases their market value, benefiting farmers and consumers.
In recent years, agricultural processing technology has witnessed rapid advancements due to technological innovations, automation, and the integration of digital technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) [16]. These advancements have increased efficiency, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved food safety standards.

Adoption of Agricultural Processing Technology
The adoption of agricultural processing technology is a multifaceted process influenced by various factors at the individual, organizational, and societal levels. Several studies have explored the drivers and barriers to technology adoption among farmers and agribusinesses. Familiar drivers include expected economic benefits, improved productivity, reduced labor requirements, and access to markets [1], [17]- [19]. On the other hand, barriers to adoption often involve high initial investment costs, limited access to credit, lack of knowledge and training, and resistance to change.
Researchers have investigated the role of extension services, training programs, and policy incentives in promoting the uptake of agricultural processing technology [20]. Understanding the determinants of technology adoption is critical for designing effective interventions and policies that encourage the widespread implementation of sustainable and efficient processing practices.

Innovation in Agricultural Processing Technology
Innovation in agricultural processing technology involves developing and integrating novel techniques and machinery to enhance processing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality. Research in this area often focuses on novel processing methods, such as non-thermal techniques, bioprocessing, and intelligent packaging solutions, that aim to maintain the nutritional content of agricultural products while ensuring their safety and extended shelf life [21].
Furthermore, studies explore the potential of emerging technologies like nanotechnology, machine learning, and robotics in revolutionizing agricultural processing. These innovations have the potential to address pressing challenges in the farming sector, such as meeting growing food demands sustainably and coping with climate change-induced uncertainties [13], [15].

RESEARCH METHODS
A comprehensive dataset of academic literature on agro-processing technology adoption and innovation will be collected from leading scientific databases to conduct the bibliometric analysis. Database selection will include Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to ensure broad coverage of research publications through the Publish or Perish software tool. The search covers a broad set of keywords, including "agricultural processing technology," "agricultural innovation," "food processing," "post-harvest technology," "sustainable agriculture," and other relevant terms.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
To ensure the relevance and accuracy of the dataset, the following inclusion criteria will be applied: a. English publications, published between 1984 and 2023, to maintain consistency and relevance.
b. Publications that directly address the adoption and innovation of agro-processing technologies in various agricultural products and practices.
c. Academic journal articles, conference papers, and reviews will be included to cover a diverse range of research outcomes.

Exclusion criteria:
a. Non-academic publications, such as books, theses, and patents, will be excluded.
b. Publications not directly related to agro-processing technologies or innovations will not be considered.   The group cluster mapping will be explained in more detail in Table 2   Additionally, investigations into the practical implementation of innovative technologies and policies at various scales, from smallholder farms to large agribusinesses, can lead to more inclusive and sustainable agricultural development.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Moreover, given the increasing importance of digital technologies like big data in agriculture, further research on data privacy, security, and effective utilization will be crucial to unlock the full potential of digital solutions in the agri-food domain.
The clustering analysis is a foundation for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to identify key research priorities and collaborations, leading to innovative solutions for sustainable agricultural processing technology and a more resilient global food system.    [28] The agricultural innovation process: research and techonology adoption in a changing agricultural sector 1018 [29] Agent-based spatial models applied to agriculture: a simulation tool for technology diffusion, resource use changes and policy analysis 869 [30] Innovation trends in the food industry: The case of functional foods 830 [31] Potential and challenges of insects as an innovative source for food and feed production The table presents ten highly cited research papers on adopting and innovating agricultural processing technology. These papers have significantly contributed to the field and have been cited extensively by other researchers, indicating their influence and impact on the scientific community.
In conclusion, the high citation count of these papers demonstrates their significance in shaping the research landscape within the adoption and innovation of agricultural processing technology. These influential works have provided valuable insights, driving advancements, and guiding  The keyword analysis reveals the prominent research themes and topics and some relatively less explored areas in agricultural processing technology adoption and innovation.

Most Occurrences:
Food (78 Occurrences  The keyword analysis provides valuable insights into the major research themes and areas of focus in the adoption and innovation of agricultural processing technology. The identified keywords reflect the multidisciplinary nature of this field, encompassing aspects of technology, agriculture, food, market, and sustainability.
Researchers can leverage the findings to identify potential research gaps and opportunities for further investigation. Policymakers and industry stakeholders can also use these insights to develop targeted strategies for promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing market competitiveness, and addressing food security challenges through technological innovation.

Discussion
The results of the bibliometric analysis provide a comprehensive understanding of the adoption and innovation of agricultural processing technology from a global perspective. The research trends and themes identified underscore the field's importance in addressing food security, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation challenges. The steady increase in research output indicates growing interest and investment in agricultural processing technology, with researchers and institutions worldwide recognizing its significance. Identifying key authors and institutions reflects the collaborative nature of research in this domain, indicating the importance of knowledge sharing and cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Additionally, the geospatial distribution highlights the need for inclusive and equitable research partnerships to address region-specific challenges and promote agricultural development globally.
The keyword co-occurrence analysis reveals the diverse research areas within agricultural processing technology, ranging from sustainable practices to cutting-edge innovations. Emerging themes, such as nanotechnology and AI applications, show promising potential to revolutionize the farm sector and meet future demands sustainably.
The citation analysis highlights influential works significantly impacting the field's progress.
These seminal papers provide a foundation for future research, guiding researchers and policymakers in shaping strategies to enhance agricultural processing technology adoption and innovation.

CONCLUSION
The bibliometric analysis of agricultural processing technology adoption and innovation literature provides a comprehensive understanding of the global research landscape in this critical domain. The identified research clusters and highly cited papers highlight the significant themes, challenges, and advancements in the field. The results emphasize the importance of integrating technological innovations into the agri-food system to address the challenges of food security, quality, and environmental sustainability. The study underscores the significance of communication, collaboration, and policy support in promoting technology adoption and driving innovation in agriculture.
Moreover, the keyword analysis highlights critical research focus areas, including food processing, innovation technology, market competitiveness, and sustainable agriculture. Identifying underexplored themes, such as big data in agriculture and rural development, suggests potential areas for future investigation and technological application. Overall, this research contributes to knowledge of agricultural processing technology adoption and innovation. Policymakers can use these insights to formulate evidence-based strategies to support technology adoption and innovation in the farming sector. Researchers can build on the identified research trends to develop interdisciplinary collaborations and address pressing challenges in agricultural processing. Industry stakeholders can leverage the findings to enhance efficiency, quality, and competitiveness in the agrifood industry.