Industrial parks in Ukraine: current situation and development prospects in the conditions of digitalization of innovative economy

Abstract

Introduction. Industrial park (cluster) is a relatively new form of economic organization, which in many developed countries plays a significant role in shaping and ensuring the competitiveness of countries and territories. Despite the economic viability of economic clusters, clusters have not yet become widespread in Ukraine, in contrast to highly developed countries. The modern development of the innovative economy, combined with comprehensive digitalization, makes its adjustments – opportunities and risks – in the functioning of economic entities of all forms and levels, which must be considered. The purpose of the paper is to study the current state of industrial parks in Ukraine and to analyse the prospects for their development. Results. In the article, the authors explored the innovative economy's digitalization features and provided its definition. They assessed the current state of industrial parks in Ukraine, identified fully operational parks, have high-quality infrastructure facilities, and have residents with actually operating plants. Identified the reasons for their inefficient functioning and developed recommendations for improving the formation and operation of industrial parks in Ukraine, using digital tools of the innovative economy. It was noted that the innovative component of successful implementation in practice of a regionally integrated approach is the addition or expansion of activities through narrower (specialized) approaches that have a clear, practical focus. Such specialization can be the development of industrial tourism. The second way of efficiency of an industrial park is its unique specialization, for example, the chemical industry. Each focus or specialization should be evaluated and determined in each case. Conclusion. Industrial parks are an essential tool of the country's economy, which can make the country a leader; however, this form of organization carries risks, the main of which is the imitation of the industrial park for illicit enrichment. Therefore, it is necessary to further improve the mechanism of regulation and especially control by the state over the activities of industrial parks.