DEVELOPING CONCEPTUAL APPROACHES TO THE MODEL OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND POST-CONFLICT RECOVERY OF RURAL TERRITORIES IN UKRAINE BASED ON INNOVATION

Abstract

The article is devoted to the theoretical substantiation and development of conceptual approaches to the formation of a model for sustainable development and post-conflict recovery of rural areas in Ukraine based on innovation, aimed at ensuring their social, economic, and environmental sustainability, restoring human and production potential, stimulating local initiatives, and introducing modern community development tools in the context of post-war reconstruction.

The main directions of post-conflict recovery of rural areas have been identified, including the economic, social, environmental, and institutional dimensions.

An analysis of the differences between the European Union programmes Smart Village and LEADER was conducted. The distinctive features of the Smart Village programme include a primary focus on innovation and digital technologies, implementation through digital solutions and cross-sectoral projects, a combination of the bottom-up approach with technological modernization, and an orientation toward the creation of modern, digitally integrated communities. The distinctive features of the LEADER programme include a primary focus on community participation and local initiatives, implementation through Local Action Groups (LAGs), the bottom-up approach as a key principle, and a commitment to the integrated development of rural territories.

A Model of Sustainable Development and Post-Conflict Recovery of Rural Areas in Ukraine (based on the LEADER and Smart Village approaches) has been developed. The model defines and describes strategic goals, objectives, and expected outcomes. Its purpose is to ensure the sustainable socio-economic development of rural areas by combining the principles of LEADER (community participation, local initiatives, partnership) and Smart Village (digitalization, innovation, energy efficiency), in accordance with European standards for rural development and post-conflict recovery.

The strategic goals of the model include: activation of local communities (LEADER principle), digital transformation of rural areas (Smart Village principle), development of the local economy and entrepreneurship, promotion of Smart Farming, enhancement of energy efficiency and environmental safety, and improvement of the quality of life of the rural population.