INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL OF UKRAINE’S AGRICULTURAL SECTOR: ENVIRONMENT DIAGNOSTICS AND STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS

Abstract

This research provides a comprehensive theoretical justification and develops a robust methodological approach to diagnosing the environment for intellectual capital development in Ukraine’s agricultural sector. Given the transition of agri-food enterprises from a traditional resource-based competitive model to a knowledge-intensive one, the study systematizes existing scientific paradigms. It proves that a single-dimensional perspective is insufficient, thereby advocating for a synthetic framework that integrates resource, process-based, and ecosystem-oriented dimensions of intellectual capital. This multidimensional approach is critical in agriculture, where success depends on synergy among human expertise, digital infrastructure, organizational routines, and strategic partnerships.

The empirical part of the study offers a longitudinal analysis of key indicators characterizing the Ukrainian agricultural sector from 2005 to 2024. The findings reveal profound structural shifts: while the sector demonstrates consistent advancement in digital accessibility and technological productivity, these achievements are contrasted by a cumulative narrowing of the innovation base, evidenced by declining R&D expenditures, and a persistent reduction in the rural demographic pool. Such trends pose a significant risk of technological dependency, where enterprises may struggle to customize external innovations without substantial investment in internal organizational memory and collaborative networks.

Furthermore, the paper highlights that modern competitiveness for agri-food firms is no longer defined merely by land or capital stocks, but by the ability to convert information into precise technological solutions, maintain continuity amidst wartime shocks, and effectively integrate into global value chains. To facilitate strategic decision-making, the author proposes a detailed system of diagnostic indicators. This framework serves as a practical tool for monitoring the intellectual capital environment, enabling stakeholders to balance technological progress with structural and social development, ultimately fostering strategic resilience and long-term economic sustainability in the agrarian sphere.