Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is one response to the challenges faced by agriculture due to climate
change. As with other sustainability transitions, technological innovation is highlighted as playing a
critical role, however, the adoption and diffusion of technological innovations in OECD countries is slow.
The aim of this paper is to identify key socio-economic barriers, in terms of supply and demand, that
inhibit the adoption and diffusion of CSA technological innovations in Europe. To achieve this aim, a
theoretical framework is constructed based on a literature review of socio-economic barriers effecting
adoption and diffusion. This framework is explored with data from semi-structured interviews with CSA
technology providers and members of agricultural supply chains, such as farmers associations and
consumer goods producers (the end-users of the technology). Data was collected on the barriers they
experienced, with interviews conducted in the Netherlands, France, Switzerland and Italy. This data was
thematically coded and categorised to identify key barrier typologies. The results demonstrate that
barriers exist on both the demand (user) and supply (technology provider) sides. The paper provides
recommendations for increasing the adoption and diffusion of CSA technological innovations, as well as
implications for the CSA and innovation literature.