DIGITAL MATURITY OF ENTERPRISES AS A FACTOR OF ECOSYSTEM INTERACTION IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

Abstract

The study conceptually expands the understanding of digital maturity of enterprises as a key factor in ecosystem interaction within the food industry at the regional level. Based on an analysis of enterprises in the Zaporizhzhia region, a vision has been formed regarding how the combination of digital infrastructure, marketing, and communication practices determines the ability of entities to engage in network cooperation formats. The systematization of data on digital presence and sales channels allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the functional position of enterprises within the industry ecosystem. The analysis revealed distinct intra-industry differentiation, manifested in the asymmetry of digital development and unequal access to resources. It was established that enterprises with high digital maturity use online channels more effectively and act as the ecosystem core, around which partnership ties are concentrated. At the same time, enterprises with minimal digital integration find themselves on the periphery of processes, limiting their opportunities and increasing vulnerability to external shocks. A digital maturity assessment model was developed, allowing for the observation of the relationship between digital development, market role, and adaptability. The formation of a «two-speed» structure was revealed, where digitized participants accumulate innovative potential, while less developed ones remain within traditional offline models. This is interpreted as a systemic consequence of the uneven implementation of digital practices, as such a disparity weakens the competitive potential of the entire industry. The regional aspect demonstrated that under conditions of wartime instability, digital maturity becomes a strategic resource determining the ability of enterprises to maintain resilience and integrate into partner networks. An analytical framework was formed within which digital maturity is viewed as a system-forming indicator of ecosystem readiness. The results will create a foundation for further research and decisions aimed at reducing digital divides and strengthening the role of SMEs in regional business ecosystems.