LIMITATIONS OF DIGITAL MATURITY MODELS FOR AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS
Abstract
The article presents a critical comparative analysis of four models for assessing digital maturity in terms of their applicability to the agri-food sector. The objects of analysis are CMMI, Acatech Industrie 4.0 Maturity Index, Deloitte Digital Maturity Model, and Digital Vortex as representatives of successive generations of management thought from the process paradigm to systemic industry dynamics. The relevance is due to the fact that the tools for assessing digital maturity were developed for industry and telecommunications and are mechanically transferred to the agricultural context without taking into account the nature dependence of the production result, the structural heterogeneity of subjects, and the systemic interdependence of chain participants. The methodology is built on a deductive comparative analysis of the specifications and methodological documents of the four models according to six criteria: the subject of assessment, the level of aggregation, sectoral orientation, normative dimension, time dynamics, and empirical validation. The criteria are derived from the theoretical provisions of agrarian economics on the specifics of agri-food systems. The analysis revealed five systemic flaws common to all models. Mono-subjectivity limits the assessment to the level of an individual enterprise without aggregation mechanisms for chains or clusters. Hidden sectoral bias is manifested through criteria that reflect the realities of industrial business despite the declared universality. Regulatory deafness excludes compliance with regulatory standards, critical for European integration. Ignoring time dynamics does not take into account seasonality and multi-year investment cycles. Institutional insensitivity leaves out trust between participants, financial support mechanisms, and the stability of the regulatory framework. None of the models meets the requirements of the Agriculture 5.0 concept. Five requirements for a sectorally adequate methodology are formulated: multi-level aggregation, sector-specific indicators, regulatory dimension, information connectivity between participants, and consideration of the institutional context. The practical value lies in the formation of a theoretical basis for the development of tools capable of taking into account the multi-level structure of agri-food systems.
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