Analysis of innovation potential of regional agroclusters

The study analysed the key resources and conditions affecting the development of innovation activities in regional agroclusters. The study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the innovation potential of agroclusters, including the assessment of key factors such as human resources, research base, financial support, and technological infrastructure, using SWOT-analysis, index method and experts. The analysis revealed that the level of innovation potential of regional agroclusters was determined by the degree of interaction between enterprises, scientific institutions, and government structures. Funding of agro-industrial cluster in Kazakhstan was USD 2.5 bn, of which USD 0.8 bn was allocated for innovation, while in the Netherlands, USA (California and Iowa) these indicators were much greater, reaching USD 10-15 bn with innovation costs within USD 2.8-6.5 bn. For example, in Kazakhstan, a stable growth of agro-industrial complex by 3.6% per year has been observed since 2010, which contributed to an increase in labour productivity to USD 6.6 thsd per person – 30% greater than the indicators of Ukrainian farmers. The study found that the availability of specialised infrastructure (agrotechnoparks, technology transfer centres) contributed to accelerated innovation. The study also confirmed that the key barriers to innovative development of agroclusters included insufficient research and development funding, lack of qualified personnel, and weak cooperation between participants. For instance, the use of precision farming and artificial intelligence technologies can increase crop yields by 20% and reduce water use by 30%. In regions with active state support and access to investment, such as Kazakhstan, an increase in the number of start-ups and venture capital investments was observed. Based on the analysis, recommendations for developing the innovation potential of agroclusters were proposed, including the creation of incentive support measures, the development of educational programmes, and the introduction of digital platforms for technology exchange. The findings obtained can be used to develop strategies to support and stimulate innovation activity in regional agroclusters, which contributes to improving their competitiveness and efficiency