THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF ENSURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INNOVATIVE CAPACITY OF TERRITORIES OF UKRAINE AS A FACTOR OF INCREASING THEIR COMPETITIVENESS IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

The article examines the current state and prospects for the innovative development of the territories of Ukraine in the conditions of wartime and post-war reconstruction. The dynamics of Ukraine's positions according to the Global Innovation Index indicators are analyzed, which made it possible to assess the trends in the country's innovative capacity in the international dimension. It is substantiated that, along with military factors, the innovative development of territories is influenced by systemic problems of an institutional and organizational nature: insufficient level of funding for scientific research, weak interaction between the state, business and the scientific and educational community, imperfect regulatory and legal support, the presence of bureaucratic barriers and corruption risks, the absence of clear mechanisms for implementing innovative development strategies. The need to form effective mechanisms for restoring the innovative potential of regions, taking into account security challenges and the needs of integration into the European economic space, is emphasized. Priority areas of innovative development in the context of the post-war reconstruction of the state have been identified, the implementation of which should be carried out on the basis of digitalization, the introduction of innovative solutions and the development of smart specialization of regions. Attention is paid to the role of small and medium-sized businesses as a key driver of innovative development of territories in the context of the reduction of the activities of large industrial enterprises. It has been determined that the adaptability, mobility and flexibility of management decisions of small and medium-sized businesses create the prerequisites for a faster restoration of economic activity and the formation of new production ties. Emphasis is placed on the need to harmonize technological standards with European requirements, which will facilitate the integration of Ukrainian manufacturers into international markets. It is substantiated that the strategic basis for the post-war modernization of the economy can be the formation of an innovation hub in Ukraine as a comprehensive platform for the development of scientific and technological solutions, which requires the consolidation of the efforts of the state, business, science and international partners, the improvement of investor protection mechanisms, a reduction in the level of bureaucracy and the creation of a favorable institutional environment. Innovative development of territories is considered a key factor in ensuring the long-term competitiveness of Ukraine and its sustainable socio-economic growth.