ASSESSMENT OF INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR OF UKRAINE IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

The article examines the current state of innovation and investment support for the development of the agrarian sector of Ukraine in the context of the digital transformation of the economy. The strategic importance of innovations and investments for ensuring the competitiveness of agricultural production, increasing the efficiency of the functioning of the agro-industrial complex and ensuring the state's food security in the context of military challenges is substantiated. Theoretical approaches to the interpretation of innovation and investment support are analyzed and its role in the development of the agrarian sector is determined. The main areas of state support for agricultural enterprises are studied, in particular, financing programs to support agricultural producers, farms, entrepreneurship development, modernization of the production base and stimulation of investment activity. An analysis of the dynamics of budget expenditures to support the agrarian sector of Ukraine in 2023–2025 is conducted and key trends in state policy in the field of innovation and investment development are identified. Particular attention is paid to the study of investment incentives and mechanisms for supporting large-scale investment projects, which include tax, financial and infrastructure instruments. It was established that state support for investors contributes to the modernization of agricultural production, the development of agroprocessing and the introduction of modern technologies. The current trends in the digitalization of the agricultural sector of Ukraine and the development of AgroTech technologies were analyzed. It was determined that the introduction of GPS monitoring systems, agricultural drones, satellite technologies, digital management platforms and elements of precision agriculture contributes to increasing production productivity, reducing resource costs and reducing the negative impact on the environment. The position of Ukraine in the Global Innovation Index for 2020–2024 was studied and the main problems of innovative development associated with the insufficient level of funding for research and development, infrastructure development and institutional support for innovations were identified. The need to strengthen state innovation policy, intensify investment activities and develop digital infrastructure as key conditions for ensuring the sustainable development of the agricultural sector of Ukraine was substantiated.