Industrial competitiveness of Ukraine in the conditions of Industry 4.0 implementation

Abstract

The article covers the factors shaping the industrial competitiveness of Ukraine in the context of global changes and the introduction of Industry 4.0. The threats and challenges brought about by innovative changes in the economic environment are considered. Along with the threats that pose a danger to all countries (unemployment due to mass robotization of production, threats to cyber security), for countries with low levels of economic and technological development, there is a risk of money laundering and conversion into raw materials and human resources supplier for the rich countries. For Ukraine, as for most countries of Eastern and Central Europe, this problem is especially relevant. In order to maximize the benefits and minimize possible losses, it is necessary to explore a range of factors that impact modern production, in particular: taxation, investment conditions, culture of innovation, development and cooperation. A comparative analysis of the index of the industrial competitiveness of Ukraine with similar indicators of Central and Eastern Europe is conducted. The EU experience of implementing the Industry 4.0 concept is studied. The priority of mechanical engineering in Ukraine is substantiated, and the analysis of industrial competitiveness is deepened by assessing the development of individual sectors of mechanical engineering as an important segment of the introduction of innovative technologies on the Industry 4.0 platform. The key limitations of the competitiveness of Ukrainian industry are identified (use of outdated production methods and equipment; high cost of electricity and unreliability of its sources; high tariffs for important intermediate products; significant costs of compliance with customs requirements for import of components and export of finished products; too long customs clearance procedures, risks of currency regulation, lack of adequate infrastructure of certification laboratories) as well as vectors and main tasks for Ukraine's adaptation to global changes in the implementation of Industry 4.0 are defined.