The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Advancing Agricultural Technologies within the Russia–China Institutional Partnership

Abstract

Digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) are playing an increasingly important role in promoting sustainable agricultural development. This is especially clear in the context of institutional cooperation between Russia and China, where agriculture remains a key economic sector. However, despite this significance, the impact of AI and digital technologies on agriculture through interstate collaboration still remains underexplored. This study analyses and forecasts the level of digitalization and AI adoption in the agricultural sectors of Russia and China, while assessing the potential to deepen institutional cooperation. It identifies key factors driving digital transformation in agriculture and projects technology adoption trends through 2035. The methodological framework is grounded in multivariate regression models, which evaluate the influence of infrastructural, economic, social, and technological factors on agricultural digitalization. The analysis is based on 12 indicators of agricultural development in Russia and China from 2013 to 2023, with particular attention to infrastructure and digital metrics. Linear and polynomial regressions were used to model indicator dynamics, and a composite digitalization index was developed using multiple regression. The findings show that China has achieved a high degree of digitalization in agriculture, driven by strong government support, widespread 5G infrastructure, and the integration of IoT technologies. Agricultural automation in China has reached 45%, with projections suggesting an increase to 50% by 2030—potentially boosting productivity by 20–25%. In Russia, the expansion of digital infrastructure lays the groundwork for greater adoption of AI and precision farming technologies, with anticipated productivity gains of 15–20% by 2030. These results may inform national strategies for agricultural digitalization, shape state agricultural policies, and support the implementation of joint Russia–China projects under initiatives such as BRICS+.