INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES OF AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES: ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION

The article examines the innovative activity of agricultural enterprises in Ukraine in the context of a transformational economy, global challenges and martial law. It is substantiated that the introduction of innovations, in particular digital technologies, smart solutions and environmentally friendly practices, is a critically important factor in ensuring the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector. The dynamics of innovative activity in Ukraine in general and in the agricultural sector in particular are analyzed, using comparative data from OECD countries. It is found that, despite positive trends, the level of innovative activity of agricultural enterprises remains low – only 7% in 2022, which is significantly inferior to the average European indicators. The main barriers to the introduction of innovations are identified: limited financial resources, insufficient digitalization, low level of human resources and weak integration into international innovation networks. The directions of institutional, financial and educational support that can ensure the strengthening of the innovative capacity of the agricultural sector and the need for a comprehensive state policy focused on long-term innovative modernization of the agricultural industry are outlined. During the martial law period, the innovative activity of Ukrainian agricultural enterprises was formed in extremely difficult conditions, caused by the continuation of a full-scale war, high economic uncertainty, disruption of logistics chains and growing climate risks. At the same time, the domestic agricultural sector demonstrated the ability to partially adapt, in particular through a more active implementation of digital technologies, automated solutions and eco-innovations. It is expected that in 2025 the share of innovatively active agricultural enterprises may reach 8.5–9% provided that: the economic environment is stabilized; expanding financial support instruments (innovative funds, agricultural insurance, green investment); intensifying digital education for farmers and small agribusiness; creating regional clusters of innovative interaction (science-business-state).