Modern Priorities for the Development of Human Potential in the Agricultural Sector under Economic Digitalization

The paper substantiates the key tasks related to the development of human potential in Ukraine’s agricultural sector in the context of accelerating the processes of digital economic transformation, strengthening the influence of global trends, and the need to restore the role of domestic agricultural producers in the international food market. The research highlights the main challenges and threats facing the functioning of the national agricultural sector, which stem from the consequences of military actions, a prolonged financial, economic, and social crisis in the country, including acute problems in human resource provision (demographic shifts, migration processes, and others). An analysis of recent trends in agricultural activity reveals a persistently low level of remuneration for personnel, an increasing degree of depreciation of fixed assets in the sector, as well as a relative improvement in capital investment activity. The article outlines the specific features and requirements for human potential in the agricultural sector, which are shaped by significant variation in educational and qualification requirements, the seasonality of labor, and the growing demand for interdisciplinary knowledge and digital skills. The essence, role, and positive impacts of digitalization in the agricultural sector were identified, particularly in terms of optimizing time and resource expenditures, enhancing interaction with stakeholders, expanding sales volumes, and increasing operational profitability. The article also presents a classification of the most common areas and tools driving the digital transformation of agricultural business entities, including big data and analytics, digital and cloud platforms, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, drones, automation and robotics, GPS navigation, smart irrigation systems, blockchain, and enterprise information management systems. The article has emphasized the relevance of promoting the development of human potential in the agricultural sector at multiple levels (international, national, regional, sectoral, and corporate) and highlighted the importance of detailing practical measures for the comprehensive development of employees’ digital competencies as a promising area for further research.