HUMAN RESOURCES FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR

Issue № 2, 2026, article № 26, pages 253-263

Section:

Language: Russian

Original language title: КАДРОВОЕ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЕ ЦИФРОВОЙ ТРАНСФОРМАЦИИ АПК

Keywords: «ЦИФРОВОЙ РАЗРЫВ», AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION, PERSONNEL SUPPORT FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR, THE «DIGITAL DIVIDE», DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to develop a conceptual framework for the development of human resources for the digital agro-industrial complex. The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the problem of human resources for the digital transformation of the Russian agro-industrial complex. Based on statistical and expert analysis, a systemic crisis has been identified, characterized by a growing gap between the demand for new digital competencies and the capabilities of the labor market and the education system. It has been established that, despite the presence of obvious drivers for digitalization, such as the high receptivity to innovation among agricultural holdings and the proven economic efficiency of technologies, its large-scale implementation is hindered by infrastructure limitations, high costs of solutions, and, most importantly, a severe shortage of personnel. The study provides a quantitative assessment of the disproportion in the distribution of ICT specialists across economic sectors. Based on expert assessments, the analysis reveals a critically low level of digital skills among current agricultural specialists and a fundamental gap between the programs offered by agricultural universities and the demands of the market. The study presents a forecast for the growth of the demand for digital specialists in the agricultural sector until 2029 and identifies a list of new and transforming professions. The study concludes that the shortage of skilled professionals is a major barrier to digitalization. The study proposes a three-level solution model (government, education, and business) aimed at synchronizing technology investments with advanced human capital investments as a prerequisite for achieving technological sovereignty in the industry.

Authors: Kolesnikov Andrei Viktorovich