Current Aspects of the Strategy of Investment and Innovative Development of Agricultural Enterprises in Ukraine in the Context of International Competition

The article analyzes current challenges and specific features of the investment and innovation-driven development of Ukraine’s agro-industrial complex under the conditions of rapid global transformations and full-scale military aggression by Russia. The authors emphasize that the implementation of innovations is a key factor in ensuring the competitiveness of enterprises, particularly in the agricultural sector. Rapid progress in digital technologies, accelerated adoption of breakthrough solutions, and the dynamic transformation of the market environment create an urgent need for the integration of modern technologies into agricultural production. Despite this, Ukrainian agricultural enterprises face a range of systemic barriers that hinder the realization of their innovative potential. The main issues identified include limited financing, difficulties in accessing credit due to high interest rates and the lack of long-term support programs, insufficient state support for innovative projects, significant production and market risks, technological backwardness of some farms, limited access to modern equipment and digital solutions, shortage of qualified personnel, and underdeveloped logistics and processing infrastructure. Special attention is given to the consequences of the fullscale war, which has led to the destruction of agricultural enterprises, landmines in farmlands, the blockage of export infrastructure, workforce shortages, rising input costs, and a decline in the investment attractiveness of the sector. In light of growing threats and increasing international market competition, ensuring sustainable innovative development of Ukraine’s agricultural sector requires comprehensive measures from the state, business, and international partners. To this end, the authors propose eight strategic directions: the introduction of financial incentives (interest rate compensation, creation of a dedicated agro-innovation support fund), expansion of state support (tax incentives, support for startups and research projects), modernization of agricultural infrastructure (elevators, irrigation systems, processing facilities), implementation of humanitarian demining programs, development of human capital (educational centers, upskilling programs), improved access to innovations (partial reimbursement for agricultural drones, digital systems, and equipment), attraction of foreign investments (simplification of registration procedures, participation in international projects), and the digitalization of the agro-industrial complex. It is expected that the implementation of these measures will not only restore the production potential of Ukrainian agro-enterprises but also create the conditions for their long-term innovative development. According to forecasts, the total economic effect of these initiatives could exceed USD 130 billion by 2050. The greatest contributions are expected from digitalization, investment attraction, infrastructure development, and innovation promotion. Thus, in the context of war and intensified international competition, the activation of investment and innovation development is a strategic priority of public policy to strengthen food security, expand export potential, and integrate Ukraine into the global agricultural economy.