ECONOMIC DIMENSION OF THE DIGITALIZATION OF UKRAINE’S AGRO-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

Abstract

The article explores the economic dimension of the digitalization of Ukraine’s agro-industrial complex in the context of full-scale war and deep structural transformation of the national economy. The purpose of the study is to analyse the spread of digital technologies in agriculture and to assess their impact on productivity, resilience and competitiveness of the sector, as well as to identify key barriers that slow down the scaling of innovations. The methodological basis combines a systemic and institutional approach, analysis of academic and analytical sources, as well as the use of official statistics and corporate reports of leading agricultural companies. The paper clarifies the content of agricultural digitalization as a transition from automation of individual operations to integrated smart farming systems based on satellite monitoring, IoT sensors, drones, ERP and CRM platforms, AgTech solutions, artificial intelligence and big data analytics. Particular attention is paid to the economic effects of precision farming and AgTech platforms, which allow reducing input costs, optimising the structure of sown areas, increasing yields and improving product quality, thereby strengthening export potential, foreign exchange earnings and macroeconomic stability. Case studies of companies such as MHP, Kernel, IMC and Agroprosperis demonstrate practical results of introducing smart farming tools, digital monitoring and data-driven decision-making models at scale. The article also highlights the role of state and donor initiatives, including the State Agrarian Register, open agricultural data portals and USAID AGRO programmes, in expanding access to digital solutions for small and medium-sized producers and narrowing the technology gap. At the same time, the research identifies systemic barriers to digitalization: a pronounced digital divide between large holdings and small farms, high investment costs, cyber security risks, shortages of digital skills and dependence on foreign technologies and platforms. The conclusions emphasise that agricultural digitalization is a strategic direction of post-war modernisation of Ukraine’s economy and requires coordinated policies aimed not only at stimulating innovation, but also at reducing structural, social and security risks while ensuring sustainable, export-oriented growth of the agro-industrial complex.