DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF KAZAKHSTAN’S AGRO-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX: ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY OF IMPLEMENTING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract

The article examines the main directions of the digital transformation of Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial complex (AIC), focusing on the application of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data technologies to enhance agricultural productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. The purpose of the research is to evaluate the economic efficiency of implementing digital solutions and to identify key barriers and opportunities in the digitalization of the agricultural sector. The paper analyzes state initiatives and regional disparities in digital development, as well as practical results of applying intelligent systems in crop and livestock production. The study employs comparative, economic-statistical, and modeling methods, along with expert assessment. The results demonstrate that the integration of digital technologies and AI reduces production costs, optimizes resource management, and increases labor productivity by 25–30%. The authors emphasize the importance of developing human capital, expanding digital infrastructure, and strengthening public–private partnerships in rural areas. It is concluded that the digitalization of the agro-industrial complex is a strategic driver for the modernization of Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector and a key factor in ensuring its competitiveness in the global market.