Diagnosis of the State of Innovation Support for the Sustainable Development of the Agricultural Sector

The purpose of the study is to carry out a comprehensive diagnosis of the state of innovation support for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in order to identify its level of formation, key trends, problematic aspects and constraining factors, as well as to substantiate directions for improving innovation development mechanisms in the context of ensuring economic efficiency, environmental balance and social resilience of the agricultural sphere. Methodology. The methodological framework of the study is based on a combination of general scientific and specialised research methods. Analysis and synthesis were employed for the conceptual examination of innovation support and sustainable development of the agricultural sector. The formation of theoretical propositions, conclusions and recommendations was carried out using the abstract-logical approach. The systems analysis method enabled the consideration of innovation support in the agricultural sector as a complex socio-economic system. The dynamics of innovation activity and the volume of financing for research and development were assessed using economic and statistical as well as index-based methods. SWOT and PEST analyses were applied to identify internal and external influencing factors. The generalisation and presentation of the research results were ensured through the use of graphical and tabular methods. Results. The results indicate that innovation support for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Ukraine has significant but insufficiently realised potential. It is revealed that the efficiency of agricultural production increases with the implementation of technological, digital and organisational innovations, the development of cooperation between enterprises, and the integration of science, education and business. Important factors include adaptation to climate change, the development of organic production, and the introduction of resource-saving technologies. At the same time, the agricultural sector faces problems of insufficient innovation financing, limited institutional support, a low level of innovation activity among enterprises, and regional development imbalances. Prospects for improvement include the development of public–private partnerships, modernisation of the technological base, improvement of infrastructure, support for organic production, and enhancement of product competitiveness in domestic and international markets. Practical implications. Diagnosing the state of innovation support for the sustainable development of the agricultural sector contributes to the formulation of well-grounded managerial decisions regarding the development of innovation activity at national and regional levels. Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the innovation system enables the targeted implementation of technological and digital innovations, increasing agricultural productivity and resource-use efficiency. An increase in the competitiveness of agricultural enterprises in domestic and foreign markets is expected due to the greening of production, improved product quality and compliance with international standards. An important practical outcome is also the strengthening of state support for innovation, the development of innovation infrastructure, and the creation of favourable conditions for the implementation of green and digital solutions in the agricultural sector. Value/originality. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the state and development trends of innovation support in the agricultural sector under conditions of environmental and socio-economic transformations, which is essential for shaping evidence-based national and regional agricultural policies. It emphasises the role of technological and digital innovations, human capital development, and interaction between science, education and agribusiness, creating prerequisites for enhancing production efficiency, environmental safety and the long-term competitiveness of the agricultural sector.