Abstract. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the theoretical, methodological and practical foundations for the formation of an innovative model of the agricultural sector of the domestic economy. Innovative development as a mechanism for strategic modernization of agricultural industries at the present stage is a key factor in improving its socio-economic indicators, and innovations form the basis for ensuring the pace and quality of increasing the country's production potential and increasing the competitiveness of agricultural products. Research methods. To reveal the purpose, the theoretical and methodological basis was the fundamental research of domestic and foreign scientists in the field of innovative development of the agricultural sector of Russia. In particular, the monographic method was used in the process of studying promising experience in the development of innovative infrastructure; analytical – for a systematic analysis of the current state of development of innovative infrastructure of agricultural enterprises; tabular-graphic – for visual presentation of research materials; comparison – to compare economic phenomena within different time periods in order to establish causal relationships. Scientific novelty. In the course of the research, a methodological context for the formation of an innovative model based on the principles of sustainable development was developed, taking into account the importance of the agricultural sector as a system in which relations guaranteeing the country’s food security are implemented. Results. Strategic priorities and ideological guidelines are proposed for the implementation of the concept of permanence in the agricultural sector of the economy as part of solving the problem of innovatization of the industry with subsequent increase in its competitiveness. The study of trends and patterns of functioning of economic entities in the conditions of permanent changes in the external and internal environment shows that the development of economic systems in recent years is mainly associated with innovative activities that provide modernization, renewal, structural restructuring and, as a result, increasing the economic efficiency of the agrarian economy.

The article examines the impact of digital technologies on agricultural production. Digital technologies are classified according to the degree of influence on the development of agricultural enterprises. Groups of technologies with high average and low impact on the configuration of the value chain in agricultural production are identified. The basic (main) and auxiliary (possible) conditions for digitalization of agricultural production are defined, which are the starting point for implementing digital transformations in the agricultural sector of the economy. Along with significant advantages, the key problems of implementing digital innovations in agricultural production are identified.

Digitalization of representatives of the agricultural sector of the Russian Federation is one of the defining directions in the modern conditions of their activities. A special role in the development of the agro-industrial complex digitalization is influenced by “Industry 4.0”, which identifies the development trends of most enterprises over the past 10 years. The article examines the features of digitalization impact on the functioning of agricultural enterprises. The evolution of technological patterns in agriculture is analyzed and the role of digitalization in the formation and development of modern technological production of agricultural products is revealed. Technological factors of updating the production base of agricultural enterprises are determined. The influence of digitalization on each separate subsystem of agricultural enterprises is considered with the determination of the overall synergetic effect.

Achieving competitiveness in the global world economy system requires strengthening the innovative direction of representatives of the domestic agro-industrial sector. The innovative component of the agricultural sector also plays an important role in solving the country’s food security. The article considers the basics of the development of innovative activity of agro-industrial enterprises and the impact of innovative activity in the agro-industrial complex on the country food security. Obstacles are analyzed and priority directions of innovative development of agro-industrial enterprises are reflected.