Digital Transformation in Agricultural Cluster Management: Interrelated Factors and Model Applicability

The digital revolution is forcing a fundamental transformation of agricultural cluster management, challenging traditional structures and demanding new approaches for efficiency and competitiveness. The purpose of the study was to examine how digital technologies are reshaping cluster management and identified the dominant management forms under these conditions. The adoption of digital technologies requires a fundamental rethinking of the principles governing coordination and interactions among agro-cluster participants. Unlike previous studies, our analysis highlights the prevalence of hybrid transitional models in Russian agricultural clusters, demonstrating their unique adaptation path in the digital economy. Data collection involved expert surveys with cluster managers and focus groups, including representatives from various links in the production and distribution chains of 28 enterprises across five different clusters within the Agriculture and Fisheries sector. The data were processed using statistical methods to analyze performance indicators. Results show that digital platforms foster hybrid structures combining vertical integration and horizontal cooperation, with transitional hybrid models (42.3%) and traditional hierarchical models (37.4%) prevailing, while platform-based (15.8%) and ecosystem-based (4.5%) remain limited. Key barriers to digital transformation were identified: high implementation costs and a shortage of digital competencies. Therefore, the development of human capital and institutional transformation is essential to maximize the benefits of digitalization in agricultural clusters.