This study looks at whether Romania could benefit from a system in which universities work directly with farmers to share practical, research-based advice. In the United States, this model has existed for over 100 years and has helped farmers improve their productivity and adapt to modern challenges. In Romania, however, advisory services are scattered, poorly coordinated, and often replaced by information from social media or private consultants. The study explores how a university-supported model could bring more reliable knowledge to rural communities.
The researchers analysed Romania’s situation using several strategic tools. Their findings show that universities have strong experts and motivated students who could help farmers, but the country lacks clear rules, stable funding, and good cooperation between institutions. Because of this, Romania cannot fully access European funds designed to support innovation and rural development. At the same time, there are big opportunities: universities already produce valuable research, and modern farming needs exactly the kind of knowledge they can provide.
The study concludes that Romania would benefit from universities taking a more active role in supporting farmers. Creating local centres, involving students in fieldwork, and developing digital tools for sharing information could make advice more accurate and easier to access. To achieve this, Romania needs better coordination, clearer legislation, and long-term investment in knowledge transfer. With these improvements, universities could become strong partners for farmers and help modernize agriculture nationwide.
Read more about the case study here: https://managementjournal.usamv.ro/pdf/vol.25_2/Art18.pdf
Case study authors:1Horia-Nicolae Ciocan, 2Igori Balta, 2Stefan Laurentiu Batrina, 3Paula Ioana Moraru, 4Dragoș-Ioan Săcăleanu, 5Vanessa Shonkwiler, 5Abigail Borron
1University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 2University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timișoara, 3University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 4National University of Science and Technology “POLITEHNICA” Bucharest, 5University of Georgia
