The Construction of an Interdisciplinary Field: The Case of Digital Agriculture in France

This paper investigates whether a strategically organized, regionally focused investment in higher education can accelerate both the promotion of an innovative socio-technological field and the stabilization of its research community. It focuses on a Convergence Institute for Digital Agriculture (DA Institute), launched in 2017 to advance digital agriculture in Montpellier, France. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, the DA Institute united multiple universities and research institutions and funded around 70 doctoral theses, all requiring interdisciplinary collaborations. These efforts aim to foster innovation in digital agriculture, a field that integrates technology with traditional farming practices to address current societal challenges.

The study aims to assess whether the DA Institute has successfully shaped digital agriculture into a distinct research field centered in the region and fostered collaborative networks that extend beyond formal co-supervision relationships. Additionally, it explores if this initiative has contributed to establishing a unique identity for digital agriculture, distinct from similar efforts in other countries. Furthermore, the research examines the broader impact of the DA Institute on the scientific landscape and interdisciplinary collaborations in the region, comparing research funded by the DA Institute with independent research projects. The central question is whether this strategic investment has accelerated the development of the field and contributed to a stable research community.

To explore these questions, this paper draws on a qualitative documentary analysis of policy documents related to the DA Institute and interviews with participating researchers and PhD students. Additionally, a bibliometric study of publications produced by these researchers will track the evolution of keywords and scientific collaborations. This combination of qualitative and bibliometric approaches will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of the DA Institute's strategic investment on the development of digital agriculture and the construction of a cohesive research community.