ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ КОНЦЕПЦІЇ “PATH DEPENDENCE” В ДОСЛІДЖЕННІ СТРУКТУРНОЇ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЇ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОЇ ІННОВАЦІЙНОЇ СИСТЕМИ УКРАЇНИ

Abstract

In recent years, the concept of path dependence has been increasingly used in economics as a tool to explain the transformation of institutions. The need to develop a quality NIS, regulation of its structural transformation recognizes the relevance of this study. The aim of the article is to study the process of structural transformation of Ukraine NIS on the basis of the concept of “path dependence”. The possibilities provided by the concept of “path dependence” in the study of structural transformation of the domestic national innovation system (NIS) are considered. It is noted that the dependence of previous development severely limits the ability to change development strategies, which are possible only at bifurcation points when systemic changes occur. An attempt is made to comprehend the problems of modern NIS through the prism of the 1990s. Explaining the current state of the system through the prism of the concept provided an opportunity to consider the nature of the negative phenomena inherent in today’s domestic innovation system (high share of public sector in financing R&D expenditures, weak links between business and higher education sectors, low innovation activity, low costs on R&D at the level of business entities, weak involvement in the global innovation competition of enterprises). Over the last 30 years, many new measures have been introduced, including support for universities, optimization of former branch research institutes, reform of the Academy of Sciences, creation of innovation infrastructure, creation of scientific funds. To stimulate links in the innovation system, a separate set of horizontal tools was created: technology platforms, innovation clusters, mobility promotion, project consortia between research institutes (universities) and companies, and more. However, the results of all these activities remain not impressive enough. The necessity to take into account the factors of historical succession when designing the development of the Ukrainian innovation system is proved. It is important to effectively use not only modern borrowed institutions, but also to modify the traditional institutions that have ensured the development of the country in previous periods, taking into account the challenges of the time.