Technological roadmap for the digital transformation of agriculture: a universal approach from the field to the country
Abstract and keywords
Abstract:
The article is devoted to the development of a comprehensive technology roadmap (TRM) for the digital transformation of Russian agriculture, proposing a universal multi-level approach. The research subject is the process of digital transformation of the agricultural sector at the micro- (farm), meso- (region), and macro-levels (country). The aim is to create a structured and adaptable strategic planning tool that synchronizes the efforts of all stakeholders. The methodology is based on a synthesis of international experience (analysis of TRMs from the Netherlands, Germany, the USA, and China) and domestic developments, primarily the foresight methodology of the HSE Foresight Centre, emphasizing the active participation of the expert community. The scientific novelty lies in the development of an original six-stage transformation model (specification, informatization, automation/robotization, digitization, digitalization, digital ecosystem), where each stage details key technologies, managerial decisions, a system of indicators, support tools, and an assessment of required resources for all three levels. The results include a universal template for choosing a transformation path, illustrated by a case study of a specific farm, and a unified matrix visually demonstrating the interconnection of stages and levels. The main conclusion is that successful digital transformation requires not just technology adoption, but systemic, synchronized changes in management, regulation, and workforce training at all levels. The developed TRM is positioned as a practical tool for agribusiness leaders and government authorities, aimed at minimizing risks, optimizing investments, and accelerating the industry's transition to data-driven management and digital ecosystems.

Keywords:
digital transformation, agriculture, technology roadmap, micro-level, meso-level, macro-level, stages of digital transformation
Text
Text (PDF): Read Download
References

1. Abdrahmanova, G.I., Vishnevskiy, K.O., Gohberg, L.M. i dr. (2022). Cifrovaya transformaciya: ozhidaniya i real'nost': doklad k XXIII Yasinskoy (Aprel'skoy) mezhdunarodnoy nauchnoy konferencii po problemam razvitiya ekonomiki i obschestva. Moskva: Izdatel'skiy dom Vysshey shkoly ekonomiki.

2. Agafonova, O.V. (2023). Ocenka urovnya cifrovoy transformacii sel'skogo hozyaystva Rossii v kontekste poetapnogo perehoda // Vestnik Sibirskogo instituta biznesa i informacionnyh tehnologiy, 12(3), s. 61-66.

3. Petuhova M.S., Agafonova O.V. (2023). Teoretiko-metodologicheskiy fundament cifrovoy transformacii sel'skogo hozyaystva Rossii: bazovye ponyatiya i etapy // Agrarnyy vestnik Urala, 23(4), s. 79-89.

4. Sokolov A.V. (2007). Forsayt: vzglyad v buduschee // Forsayt, 1(1), s. 8-15.

5. AgriFoodTure (2021). Roadmap for sustainable transformation of the Danish Agri-Food system.

6. Bereznoy, A. (2020). Corporate Foresight in the Era of Digital Transformation, in Chugunov, A., Khodachek, I., Misnikov, Y. and Trutnev, D. (eds.) Digital Transformation and Global Society. Cham: Springer, pp. 3-15.

7. Buchenrieder, G., Dufner, S., Grundmann, P. et al. (2021). Farming 4.0: Concepts, Technology, and Perspectives for the German Agricultural Sector', German // Journal of Agricultural Economics, 70(1), pp. 1-19.

8. Contreras-Medina, D.I., Pardo, M.A., Guevara-Hernández, F., Bravo-Villa, G., Sánchez-Gutiérrez, R.A. and Rodríguez-Larramendi, L.A. (2020). Roadmapping as a Driver for Knowledge Creation: A Proposal for Improving Sustainable Practices in the Coffee Supply Chain from Chiapas, Mexico, Using Emerging Technologies // Sustainability, 12(14), 5817. DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145817

9. Daribekova, N., et al. (2023). Roadmap for the Transition from Digital Agriculture to Agriculture 4.0 Based on Deep Learning in the Economy of the Future by 2030, in Food Security in the Economy of the Future. pp. 123-130.

10. Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP) Science and Technology Committee (2019). A Science Roadmap for Food & Agriculture.

11. Farsani, E.D., Choobchian, S. and Naghani, M.S. (2024). Unlocking Agricultural Innovation: A Roadmap for Growth and Sustainability // Environmental Research, 15, pp. 17751-17771.

12. França, R.P., Ziviani, F. and Fernandes De Muÿlder, C. (2020). Agricultural digitalisation and digital transformation: the future of agricultural competitive excellence in the 4.0 Environment // Brazilian Journal of Development, 6(2), pp. 7240-7260.

13. Guilherme, R. and Braghini, J. (2025). Construction of a Roadmap of the Technological Development Barrier and Adaptation of Agricultural Machinery in the Production Chain of Biomass Briquettes and Pellets from Agricultural Waste. [Preprint]. http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5084101, accessed 16.09.2025

14. Kosasih, A. and Sulaiman, E. (2024). Digital transformation in rural settings: Unlocking opportunities for sustainable economic growth and community empowerment // Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Entrepreneurship, 5(2), pp. 129-143.

15. Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (2022). Digital Agriculture Roadmap Netherlands. Dostupno po: http://www.agroconnect.nl, accessed 15.05.2025.

16. Phaal, R., Farrukh, C.J.P. and Probert, D.R. (2004). Technology roadmapping – A planning framework for evolution and revolution // Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 71(1-2), pp. 5-26. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-1625(03)00072-6

17. Probert, D. and Radnor, M. (2003). Technology roadmapping: frontier experiences from industry-academia consortia // Research-Technology Management, 46(2), pp. 44-48.

18. Queensland Government (2023) Queensland AgTech Roadmap 2023-2028. Dostupno po: http://daf.qld.gov.au/AgTech, accessed 12.09.2025.

19. Steiber, A., Alänge, S., Ghosh, S. and Goncalves, D. (2021). Digital transformation of industrial firms: An innovation diffusion perspective // European Journal of Innovation Management, 24(3), pp. 799-819.

20. The Mixing Bowl & SVG Ventures (2020). U.S. Agriculture Technology Roadmap. Dostupno po: https://www.usagtechroadmap.com, accessed 15.07.2025.

21. Wei Zhao, W., Chen, H. and Bulis, A. (2025). How are Industry 4.0 technologies transforming a sustainable society across industries? Digital Transformation and Society. Emerald Publishing Limited. http://www.researchgate.net/publication/392326568_How_are_Industry_40_technologies_transforming_a_sustainable_society_across_industries, accessed 01.09.2025.

22. World Bank (2025). Digital Agriculture Roadmap (DAR) Playbook. Dostupno po: http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099053025063021993/pdf/P508004-f943a09b-c45f-4c93-b554-9dd1decd1e7c.pdf, accessed 13.09.2025.

23. Zhao, J., Wang, J. and Li, Z. (2022). The Digital Village: A Comprehensive Analysis of China's Digital Agriculture Policy and Practice // China Agricultural Economic Review, 14(1), pp. 20-35. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1108/CAER-01-2021-0014

Login or Create
* Forgot password?