Cluster network collaboration in managing the agribusiness sector of Russia’s Northwestern Federal District

Challenging macroeconomic conditions have a direct impact on national and food security, highlighting the need for mechanisms to improve the efficiency of agribusiness without requiring substantial financial investment. This is particularly critical in regions characterized by harsh climates and limited resource availability, where transformations in commodity distribution processes can yield significant benefits. As global and regional markets continue to integrate, these shifts affect not only production and consumption but also the communication and coordination among business entities. This trend is especially evident in the agribusiness sector, where adaptation to economic crises demands new management approaches. One promising direction for this sector is the promotion of cluster network integration, which supports the stabilization of production, sales, transportation, logistics, and related processes. This approach is particularly relevant for the regions of the Northwestern Federal District, especially the European North of Russia, where agriculture faces pronounced environmental and infrastructural challenges. The objective of this study is to identify strategic directions for developing cluster network collaboration among agribusinesses in the Northwestern Federal District. The research methodology includes statistical data analysis and economic and management process modeling. The findings demonstrate that cluster network collaboration offers an effective market-based response to deteriorating macroeconomic and sectoral conditions. The proposed mechanisms and tools for such collaboration can enhance coordination among key agribusiness stakeholders and related sectors, contributing to the stabilization of industry operations. The scientific contribution of the study lies in the development of a cluster network collaboration model tailored to the agribusiness sector of this region, aimed at achieving a balance between economic efficiency and social outcomes. The practical significance of the research is reflected in the potential for expanding industry regulation tools through the implementation of the proposed model. Future research will focus on developing methodological tools to evaluate the model’s effectiveness across different regions of Russia.