INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT POLICY AS A TOOL FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE TOURISM AND RECREATION COMPLEX OF UKRAINE: PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL TOURISM CLUSTERS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of formation and implementation of the innovation and investment policy of Ukraine in the field of tourism and recreation. The cluster approach is considered as an effective mechanism of modernization and growth of the enterprises’ of the tourism sector competitiveness. The prospects for the implementation of the cluster model for the development of medical tourism as an innovative and highly profitable component of the national tourism market offering are highlighted.The post-industrial society priority is to improve the quality of life and develop an innovative economy therefore to invest in human capital. Accordingly the role of innovation and investment policy is increasing as a tool designed to activate innovative entrepreneurship; to identify priority areas of scientific research and stimulate the systemic application and effective implementation of research results in aim of to increase the creative potential of the human resources; to ensure the coherence of actions of stakeholders: business entities, innovation, financial and organizational and management structures.Structural imbalances and financial crises, characterizing of the Ukrainian economy, led to the fact that the country was on the verge of survival and national security fall. At the same time, the development of science and innovation in recent years has been characterized mainly by negative trends - a reduction in human resources and the extent of scientific research. In this regard, the state today is faced with the task of conducting a balanced investment and innovation policy, constant stimulation of innovation processes, including the creation of effective mechanisms for the development of priority in the context of the above trends, branches of the national economic complex - tourism and health.The experience of the leading in the global tourism market countries proves that clustering is an effective mechanism that contributes to the modernization and growth of the competitiveness of tourist destinations. The effectiveness of the cluster model is ensured by the rational use of the existing resource potential of the territory; cooperation and competition combination; innovation, which is achieved through the mutual exchange of information, knowledge, know-how and patents.The population’ aging trend and at the same time the growth of life expectancy along with the acceleration of the pace of scientific and technological progress, in particular in the field of genetic engineering, biotechnology, cell research, stimulate the demand for medical tourism services and increasing their quality and range. Medical tourism is extremely promising and highly profitable, a kind of activity, which in its development is based on the latest achievements of science and technology and highly qualified personnel.Ukraine, which has all the prerequisites for the development of medical tourism, still remains aloof from this profitable business, and the existing companies are deprived of state support and operate in a very unfavorable institutional and legal environment. Cluster is a common form of territorial organization of this type of tourism, the creation of clusters of medical tourism should be an important task for representatives of science, public administration system and tourism business of Ukraine.