Digital capital as a factor of innovative development of agricultural organizations in the Nizhny Novgorod region

Relevance . In the context of the digitalization of the economy and increasing competition in the agro-industrial complex, the development of digital capital of agricultural organizations is becoming important. Digital capital, which includes digital infrastructure, competencies and technologies, is a key factor in increasing productivity, sustainability and innovation activity of agricultural enterprises. This is particularly relevant for regions where the agricultural sector plays an important role, for example, in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The purpose is to assess the development of digital capital as a factor in the effective innovative development of agricultural organizations in the region and analyze its current state for agricultural organizations in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Objectives : to formulate an idea of the concept of "digital capital"; to analyze the current state of digital capital in agricultural organizations of the Nizhny Novgorod region; to explore the relationship between the level of digital capital and the level of innovative activity of organizations; to develop recommendations on strengthening digital capital in order to stimulate innovative development. Methodology . In the process of studying the subject under consideration, methods such as analysis, synthesis, generalization, logical, as well as tabular techniques and methods of information processing were used. Results . The study showed that the level of digital capital in agricultural organizations in the region remains heterogeneous: large farms have access to modern technologies, while small and medium-sized enterprises experience personnel and financial constraints. A link has been found between the level of digital capital (availability of digital infrastructure, use of automated management systems, digital platforms) and the innovative activity of organizations (introduction of new products, processes, management solutions). Conclusions . Digital capital is the most important factor in the innovative development of agricultural organizations in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Its development requires systemic measures, including government support, the formation of competencies, the improvement of digital infrastructure and the promotion of cooperation between participants in the agricultural ecosystem. Sustainable development of the region in the context of digital transformation is possible only with the integration of digital solutions at all levels of agricultural production.