CLUSTERS AS A TOOL FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The paper examines clusters as a tool for digital transformation and innovative development of Ukraine’s economy. Using systemic-structural, analytical and comparative methods, the authors assess national strategic documents (the Innovation Development Strategy until 2030, the SME Recovery, Sustainable Development and Digital Transformation Strategy until 2027, and the Digital Development of Innovation Activity Strategy until 2030) and the role assigned to clusters in state policy. The study reveals a gap between strategic intentions and practical implementation: the lack of a single coordination mechanism, overlapping mandates among executive bodies, predominantly declarative wording without quantitative performance indicators, undefined funding sources, and a weak regional dimension. Recommendations are proposed: establishing an interagency cluster coordination centre, adopting a national Cluster Development Concept, drafting a unified cluster roadmap, unifying monitoring, and securing sustainable funding through EU programmes and public-private partnership.