The concept of forming an innovative ecosystem of the regional agro-industrial complex in the context of digitalization

Subject. The article discusses the creation of regional innovation ecosystem in the agro-industrial complex. Objectives. The aim is to develop a concept to build an innovative ecosystem of the regional agro-industrial complex in the context of digitalization. Methods. The study employs normative and integrated approaches to investigating the effectiveness of agro-industrial complex, general scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge, like retrospective, systems, functional-structural analysis, classification, comparison, generalization, evolutionary and dynamic analysis, content analysis of scientific papers and electronic resources. Results. The paper highlights the main reasons for regional innovation ecosystem creation in the agro-industrial complex, considers the government regulation of agro-industrial complex of the Republic of Adygea, unveils the key problems that hinder innovation activity. We offer our own conceptual model of innovation ecosystem for regional agro-industrial complex development. It contains new mechanisms for self-organization and interaction between participants in the innovation ecosystem that stimulate technology transfer and commercialization of innovations in conditions of regional specifics. Conclusions. The regional agro-industrial complex development requires the establishment of an innovative ecosystem, which involves the inclusion of digital platforms as a key element ensuring the exchange of data and knowledge between participants.