Climate-Responsible Innovations Based on Big Data and AI for the Sustainable Development of a Smart Vertical Farm

Abstract

Purpose: This paper dwells on theoretical and practical aspects of the use of technologies of big data and artificial intelligence in smart vertical farms from the position of an increase in their positive influence on sustainable development, with the assessment of the main directions and solutions offered by innovative technologies for this type of food production. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology of this paper is based on the system approach and interdisciplinary approach. The latter combines scientific provisions of agrotechnologies, technical sciences, economics, social sciences, and climate science. It considers vertical farms in the context of the concept of AgriTech and SmartFarm. The methodological tools of this research include the methods of observation, generalisation, extrapolation, literature review, and table method. Findings: The paper elaborates on the conceptual provisions of the development of vertical farms from the position of their impact on ecology and food support. The current processes that take place in the market of vertical farming are characterised, the volume of the market of vertical farms and its dynamics are assessed, the features of the use of technologies of artificial intelligence and big data in agriculture and smart vertical farming are described, and problem aspects of their application are indicated. Originality/value: The main value of this work is the generalised assessment of the influence of different technological solutions in the sphere of artificial intelligence and big data on the growth of plants, energy consumption, and an increase in the determination of processes in smart vertical farms.