Diffusion of innovations in agriculture in the Russian Federation: regional imbalance

In the context of achieving technological sovereignty, a key aspect of assessing an industries innovation potential is not only its resource availability and competitiveness but also its capacity for innovation diffusion. This study analyzes innovation activity in Russian agriculture based on statistical data (2017-2023). The assessment of innovation activity in agriculture revealed a concentration of innovations in narrow segments of the argo-industrial complex (AIC). Specifically, over 90% of innovative output is generated in crop farming (annual crops) and livestock farming, while auxiliary sectors (seedlings, perennial crops) remain at marginal levels (1-2%). The analysis identified cyclical dynamics in innovation: the share of crop farming increased from 35.4% (2017) to 55.5% (2019) but was later overtaken by livestock farming, which dominated in the Central Federal District (CFD, 43.1%), Volga Federal District (VFD, 22.1%), and Southern Federal (SFD, 22.1%). In contrast the Far Eastern (FEFD) and North Caucasian Federal Districts (NCFD) show minimal indicators (<1%), indicating weak technology diffusion. Some regions (VFD, SFD) exhibit sharp fluctuations in innovation activity, reflecting instability in innovation processes. The analysis also highlights a slow rate of technological renewal, as the share of «recent» innovations (implemented within the last three years) declined from 71.3% (2019) to 61.7% (2023). To increase the speed and depth of innovation penetration, mechanisms must be introduced to promote more balanced distribution of innovation activity across regions and sectors. This could include government support, incentives for private investment, and measures to facilitate interregional technology transfer.