A. N. Semin1, N. A. Sbitnev2 , M. A. Anisimova1 , A. V. Kurdyumov1
1 Ural State University of Economics, Ekaterinburg, Russia
2 Ural State Agrarian University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
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Volume 26 No. 4
Date of paper submission: 24.01.2026, date of review: 20.02.2026, date of acceptance: 27.02.2026.
Published: 04/30/2026
Abstract. Digitalization creates new opportunities for transforming the agri-food sector. The introduction of digital technologies in agriculture requires the development of theoretical principles and methodological approaches that take into account the specifics of the industry. This article attempts to assess and explore the ability of digital innovations to create sustainable agricultural systems. The purpose is to systematize global trends in the introduction of digital technologies in agriculture and the factors influencing the development of the industry's sustainability. The methods used include general scientific methods, principles and conclusions of modern theories of technological dynamics, expert opinion research, and an analysis of global processes of digital innovation development in agriculture. The scientific novelty of the obtained results lies in the generalization of theoretical principles, as well as practical recommendations for ensuring the sustainable development of agriculture through digitalization. The article obtains the following results: digitalization is changing both the business models of players in the agricultural sector aimed at generating profits through the sale of information based on big data, and the competitive environment, when, in addition to large suppliers of agricultural products, technology companies are entering the market; an innovation development system aimed at increasing the sustainability of the industry is built on the principles of overcoming the uncertain and risky nature of production, focusing on the needs of small agricultural enterprises, prioritizing environmental criteria in the development of digital technologies, maximizing the innovative capabilities of digital systems to prevent cyberattacks, and preventing the possibility of unscrupulous participants from capturing agricultural data. Digitalization influences the choice of agricultural policy methods: priority is given to the rapid release of digital innovations to the market and a focus on the innovative potential of technologies for the industry as a whole, rather than for individual enterprises. A modern approach to agricultural policy development involves the formation of an institutional framework for digitalization: infrastructure, information, implementation, and regulation. The results of the study can be used to develop a concept for the digitalization of agriculture and to substantiate agricultural policy taking into account the costs and risks of implementing innovations.
Keywords: innovation, agriculture, digital economy, sustainable development, agricultural policy
For citation: Semin A. N., Sbitnev N. A., Anisimova М. A., Kurdyumov A. V. Digital innovation for sustainable agriculture. Agrarian Bulletin of the Urals. 2026; 26 (04): 767‒776. https://doi.org/10.32417/1997-4868-2026-26-04-767-776. (In Russ.)
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