INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES OF THE EUROPEAN UNION FOR THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY OF POST-CONFLICT REGIONS: PROSPECTS OF IMPLEMENTATION IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to research innovative strategies of the European Union, which are aimed at the economic recovery of post-conflict regions, as well as to determine the possibilities of their adaptation for use in Ukraine. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that after the full-scale invasion of Russia on the territory of Ukraine, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhya, etc. oblasts were under the terror of the occupiers, which negatively affected their residents, infrastructure and development of these territories. Their restoration requires the use of new approaches, including the introduction of innovative technologies and tools. The European Union has a lot of experience in this area, and its strategies can be useful for Ukraine in terms of accelerating the reconstruction process and creating favorable conditions for economic growth. The methods of system analysis, comparative analysis and the case study method were used to achieve the research goal. The systematic analysis made it possible to study a set of economic, social and political factors that influence the recovery of post-conflict regions, and the comparative method helped to determine the most effective European strategies that can be adapted to Ukrainian realities. The case study method made it possible to analyze in depth successful examples of the application of innovative strategies in EU countries, such as Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is of great importance for the development of recommendations for the implementation of similar approaches in Ukraine. The results of the study show that innovative strategies play an important role in the reconstruction of post-conflict regions. The European Union has developed a number of tools for the reconstruction of destroyed territories, among which investments in digital transformation, development of small and medium-sized businesses, infrastructure restoration and introduction of "green" technologies occupy an important place. In particular, the European Structural and Investment Funds provide financial support to rebuild infrastructure and stimulate economic growth in conflict-affected regions. The «Horizon Europe» program also contributes to the financing of scientific research and the development of technological innovations, which can be extremely useful for the recovery of Ukraine. The practical value of the article lies in the development of a recommendation on the adaptation of innovative EU strategies for the reconstruction of the de-occupied territories of Ukraine. The implementation of these strategies can not only contribute to economic growth, but also help create new jobs, restore infrastructure and increase the investment attractiveness of regions. In addition, the introduction of "green" technologies and digital transformation can contribute to the sustainable development and integration of Ukrainian territories into the European economic system. An important aspect is also the development of human capital through educational programs and vocational retraining, which will ensure long-term growth and social stability in regions devastated by military actions.