The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) presents a promising opportunity for the agri-food sector, offering enhanced efficiency and solutions for sustainability challenges. Consequently, Brunei Darussalam is committed to leveraging digital technologies to enhance productivity and drive economic growth. However, concerns persist about the nation’s readiness for this shift. This study engages with 15 agricultural stakeholders and through qualitative analysis using SWOT and PESTLE frameworks, internal and external factors influencing Brunei’s digital transformation are evaluated. The findings suggest that Brunei is progressing moderately in adopting 4IR technologies, with room for improvement. Government policies promoting collaborations are significant strengths, yet notable weaknesses include stakeholders’ preference for traditional methods due to financial constraints. While innovative technologies offer expansion opportunities, they pose threats like increased competition and data privacy issues. These findings underscore the need for targeted policies to enhance stakeholder readiness, address financial barriers, and foster secure, collaborative innovation. Such measures are crucial for supporting Brunei’s digital transition in the agri-food sector and informing policy approaches in other developing economies aiming to leverage 4IR technologies for sustainable growth. This study also highlights the need for more research on under-scrutinised countries’ journey toward adopting transformative technologies. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.
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