Partage des connaissances en agriculture traditionnelle afin de soutenir l'innovation et l'intégration de l'IA pour les serres verticales en environnement contrôlé

Abstract

This manuscript is part of an interdisciplinary approach aimed at exploring the dynamics of knowledge management and the integration of technological innovations in agriculture, particularly in the emerging context of smart vertical greenhouses in controlled environments. It is based on a structure involving a literature review, a methodology and a division into three complementary scientific articles, followed by an integrative discussion, a general conclusion and concrete recommendations for the research, innovation and agricultural practice sectors. The first article analyzes knowledge and innovation management mechanisms within traditional market gardening operations. It highlights the drivers and barriers to technology adoption by identifying knowledge rooted in agricultural practice and often invisible but fundamental forms of innovation. The study demonstrates how these elements can be used as a foundation for a transition to more technological and urbanized agricultural models, such as smart greenhouses. The second article delves deeper into the issue of the transfer of tacit and explicit knowledge between traditional and modern agriculture. Drawing on a case study of a vertical greenhouse operator in a Nordic environment, the article identifies the modalities of knowledge transfer between generations and sectors. It highlights the social, cultural, and organizational dynamics necessary to successfully achieve this transition, while respecting the specific characteristics of controlled environments. The third article focuses on the contribution of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimizing growth cycles in vertical farming. The integration of sensors, deep neural networks, and optimization algorithms makes it possible to model the ideal conditions for maximizing yields and crop quality. This section illustrates the potential of AI-sensory systems to make smart greenhouses more autonomous, adaptive, and sustainable. The discussion synthesizes the combined contributions of the three articles, articulating the human, technological, and systemic dimensions of agricultural innovation. It highlights the conditions for a successful dialogue between tradition and modernity, empirical and algorithmic knowledge, to build more resilient food systems. The conclusion offers a reflection on the evolving role of agricultural producers in the context of increasing automation, while emphasizing the importance of preserving local knowledge as a vector of innovation. Finally, the recommendations suggest concrete avenues for public decision-makers, agri-tech companies, research institutions, and farmers. They call for supporting the development of smart tools co-designed with users, promoting intergenerational networking of knowledge, and framing digital transitions with an inclusive and sustainable approach.

Date	15 Apr 2026
Original language	French
Awarding Institution	École de technologie supérieure
Supervisor	Claudiane Ouellet-Plamondon (Supervisor)