Josephinum Research launches free online courses: Become a “Precision Farming Specialist”

The Challenge: Digital Catch-Up in SMEs

The ongoing digitalization presents the sector with entirely new challenges regarding know-how. Current Eurostat figures show that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Central Europe often still have a need to catch up in terms of digital skills:

• Only 21 percent of SMEs employ their own IT specialists.
• Fewer than one in five small businesses offers its staff relevant training.

The Answer: The “Agri-Digital Growth” Project

To close this knowledge gap, Josephinum Research (under the project management of Reinhard Streimelweger) has helped develop a practical solution. Together with international partners in the Interreg Central Europe project “Agri-Digital Growth,” five pilot courses have been launched. These are now available on ICARUS, the e-learning platform of project partner 28DGTL.

The courses focus on the key drivers of digitalization in agriculture:

• Precision Farming - Basics
• Precision Arable Farming
• Data Processing and AI 
• Precision Viticulture 
• Robotics Applied to Agriculture

Flexible learning: From individual modules to certification

The five continuing education courses are structured as compact micro-credentials, requiring a manageable time commitment of approximately 25 hours each. The modules are clearly structured and utilize a diverse learning mix:

• Practical videos from project experts (including researchers from Josephinum Research)
• Interactive quizzes for knowledge assessment
• Extensive self-study materials

Tip: By combining the "Precision Farming Basics" course with one of the specialized courses, participants who pass the final exam will receive an official certificate and the qualification of "Precision Farming Specialist." Those interested in specific niche topics can also work through the modules flexibly and individually.

Who are the courses suitable for?

The e-learning program is specifically designed for:

• Professionals in SMEs in the agricultural and agricultural technology sector
• Newcomers to the profession
• Graduates who want to acquire practical knowledge in precision farming

Best of all: All courses on the platform are completely free and accessible at no cost.

Ready for the digital transformation in agriculture? Get ready for the future and start your professional development today.

Click here to go directly to the e-learning platform and the courses.

The Agri-Digital Growth project is co-financed by the European Union and the State of Lower Austria.