INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AS THE BASIS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND INCREASING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING INDUSTRY OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines the importance of the introduction of innovative technologies in the agricultural sector, which can become key factors in its sustainable development and increase in competitiveness on the world market. It has been determined that the efficiency of the agri-food sector often remains low due to increasing demands and constraints, which emphasizes the importance of implementing innovations in the field of AgriFood. It is noted that industry participants face common global challenges. Emphasis is placed on the importance of processing intra-farm agricultural products in order to reduce costs, ensure food security and increase productivity. Innovations in the field of agro-processing will be able to contribute to the diversification of agriculture and the development of new business models, which will create new jobs, reduce the country’s dependence on imports and support the economy of rural areas. The article also analyzes the role of Ukraine as one of the leaders in the world production of grain and oil crops and points to the huge potential for the development of the agro-processing industry. It has been studied that the war brought significant losses, which are estimated at 80 billion dollars, which determines the need to attract large investments in order to restore and modernize the agricultural sector. At the same time, the lack of an effective innovation strategy can cause the stagnation of the industry, reduce its competitiveness in the international arena. The authors emphasized the importance of integrating the latest technologies into the agro-processing industry in order to increase its efficiency and reduce the negative impact on the environment. The scientific work proved that the modernization of the agricultural sector with the help of innovations for state policy and business should become a priority in order to ensure sustainable development, preserve and increase the competitiveness of agricultural products on international markets. The article states that modern technologies, investments and effective management are necessary components for the successful recovery and development of the agro-processing industry of Ukraine under the conditions of global challenges.