METHODOLOGY FOR MANAGING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE REGIONAL AGRICULTURAL SECTOR UNDER CONDITIONS OF SYSTEMIC TRANSFORMATIONS

The purpose of the study is to develop and test a methodology for assessing the competitiveness of the regional agricultural sector and rural areas, taking into account the digitalization factor under conditions of systemic economic transformations. The study employs comparative analysis, an index-based approach, and the method of normalized coefficients. An algorithm for comprehensive competitiveness assessment has been developed, including the calculation of partial, composite, and integral indices based on a set of economic, production, socio-demographic, and digital indicators. The methodology was tested using the example of five leading regions of the Russian Federation in terms of agricultural output. It has been established that the competitiveness of the regional agro-industrial complex is determined not only by financial and economic performance and resource productivity, but also by the level of digital development of the territory. Differentiation of regions according to the integral competitiveness index was identified, which made it possible to determine their strengths and weaknesses across key development factors. It is demonstrated that digitalization acts as a system-forming factor in enhancing the efficiency of agricultural production. The proposed methodology expands existing approaches to assessing the competitiveness of regional agriculture by incorporating digital development indicators. The findings may be used in the formulation of regional strategies for the development of the agro-industrial complex and for ensuring food security.