INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICE COOPERATIVES IN AGRICULTURE

Abstract

Introduction. In the context of the global transformation of economic systems, information and communication technologies and digital platforms are becoming key drivers of agricultural sector development. The relevance of the study lies in the growing role of digital communications and network interactions as key factors in increasing the competitiveness of agricultural service cooperatives, their integration into modern agri-food systems, and the need to overcome information asymmetry among market participants.

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to analyze, systematize, and improve the theoretical and methodological principles for developing information and communication support for agricultural service cooperatives, thereby increasing the efficiency of their functioning in the context of digitalization of the agricultural sector.

Materials and methods. The study is based on the analysis of the fundamental concepts of the network society, digital economy, and innovation systems, in particular, the theory of the "triple helix", network economy, and digital transformation. The work uses methods of system analysis, comparison, and generalization of approaches of domestic and foreign scientists on the role of information and communication technologies in the formation of cooperative structures, and also develops a functional support structure based on a system approach.

Results. The study identified fragmentation in existing approaches to the digitalization of cooperation and established that the key problem in development is the low level of systemic organization of information flows. The authors proposed a complex functional structure of information and communication support, which, unlike existing ones, is based on a combination of information and analytical, coordination, digital integration, marketing and communication, trust, monitoring, logistics, and institutional components. Such a structure ensures effective interaction of internal participants and external stakeholders, promotes the implementation of ERP systems, IoT, blockchain solutions, and integration into state digital ecosystems.

Further research in this area. The integration of modern digital tools into the cooperative management system will significantly reduce information asymmetry, increase trust among participants, and ensure the validity of management decisions. Further research should focus on analyzing the impact of digital communications on the dynamics of agricultural network development and on developing methodological tools for assessing the digital maturity of cooperative structures within the national agri-food system.