The role of digital technologies in the transformation of agricultural production

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of the study is to generalize the features of the application of digital technologies in agriculture, to systematize their functional capabilities across key areas, and to identify the advantages and challenges of their implementation in the conditions of 2024-2025, including the prospects of quantum technologies as a future stage of agricultural sector development. The methodological framework of the study is based on a combination of general scientific and special methods that ensure a systematic examination of digital transformation processes in agriculture within the digital economy. The article employs the systems approach to consider the agricultural sector as a complex socio-economic and technological system transforming under the influence of demographic and innovation factors; structural and logical analysis to identify relationships between demographic challenges (population growth, labor shortages, climate change) and technological solutions (IoT, AI, Big Data, robotics, etc.); methods of comparison and generalization to systematize modern digital technologies and determine their highest level of impact on agricultural production; the analytical and tabular method to develop summary tables of IoT components, application areas of robotics and AI, and spheres of Big Data and 3D printing use; the classification method to group digital technologies by degree of impact and functional purpose; cause-and-effect analysis to determine potential economic consequences of digitalization for rural development; and a forecasting (expert-analytical) approach to substantiate technological trends for 2025 (edge computing, IoE/IoNT, digital twins, generative AI, agrivoltaics, quantum technologies) and to assess their potential impact. Results of the study. The study made it possible to systematize the relationship between demographic and technological factors in the development of the digital economy in agriculture and to identify key technologies with the highest level of impact, including the Internet of Things, robotics, artificial intelligence, Big Data, 3D printing, and quantum technologies. It is shown that IoT forms the basic infrastructure of “smart” agricultural production by ensuring continuous monitoring of soil conditions, crops, livestock, and resources, while analytical platforms and artificial intelligence algorithms transform primary data into forecasts and real-time managerial decisions. The research demonstrates that the use of robotic and autonomous systems reduces the dependence of agricultural production on human labor, increases the accuracy of agrotechnical operations, and lowers production costs. The application of Big Data technologies expands opportunities for yield forecasting, resource management, logistics, and environmental risk management, while the integration of 3D printing enhances the flexibility and autonomy of farms through the local production of technical components and customized solutions. Particular attention is paid to the prospects of quantum technologies as an innovative tool of the future, capable of providing breakthroughs in solving complex optimization problems, advancing agrobiotechnologies, and strengthening the information security of agricultural systems. Conclusions. It is established that the greatest effect is achieved through the integrated implementation of IoT, artificial intelligence, robotics, and Big Data, which together ensure the transition from reactive to proactive management of agricultural processes. At the same time, digital transformation highlights the need to develop effective systems of cybersecurity, data protection, and control over the operation of autonomous digital agents. Overall, digital technologies act as a key instrument for ensuring the sustainable development of agriculture in Ukraine, enhancing its competitiveness, and strengthening food security. Further development of the agricultural sector within the digital economy requires coordinated actions by the state, research institutions, and agribusiness, as well as investments in technologies, infrastructure, and the training of highly qualified specialists.