Criteria and comparative evaluation of digital transformation management models in the food industry

The article presents the results of a study aimed at developing an adapted digital transformation management model for food industry enterprises in the Russian Federation. Based on the system analysis, expert assessments, and comparative analysis of six existing models — CMMI, DMM, IMPULS, ADKAR, the Kotter model, and technological roadmaps — it is established that none of them provides full compliance with the industry specifics of the food industry. The aim of this study is to develop an adapted digital transformation management model for Russian food industry enterprises based on a comparative analysis of existing approaches. The main results include systematization of criteria for evaluating digitalization management models, taking into account industry specifics; development of a four-stage model for implementing digital technologies; and the formation of a matrix of compliance of models with the tasks of food enterprises. The study covered enterprises of the dairy, meat processing, confectionery, and fat-and-oil industries (n = 14); nine specialists in the field of digital transformation of industrial enterprises were involved in the expert assessment of models. The findings support the need for a comprehensive approach that combines maturity assessment, change management, and phased technology adoption with a focus on rapid return on investment. The developed model makes it possible to increase the efficiency of digital transformation by 23–35%, primarily by prioritizing processes with high potential.