MERITOCENTRIC MODEL OF SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The meritocentric model and changes in the methodological tools of the spatial development of the state are substantiated taking into account the in-depth analysis of the latest conditions, processes, and phenomena at different levels: philosophical, socio-mental, spiritual, humanitarian policy, economic activity, meeting the value needs of people, natural resources, administrative and legal processes and conditions of development, resettlement and spatial planning, and institutional and innovation processes. Without rejecting the analysis of official statistical information and traditional indicators and characteristics, attention is paid to the factors and characteristics that today increase the influence in the justification of decisions. The proposed meritocentric approach includes the analysis of the functional component but shifts the emphasis to research and evaluation of processes in the state, qualitative characteristics of its space, spatial transformations in Ukraine, bringing to the forefront knowledge, values, human potential, creativity, technology, and information. Using the meritocentric model, the spatial situation, challenges, and threats that arise are assessed, as well as the ways of spatial organization and development of Ukraine are identified. The integral properties of space are substantiated: functionality, ergodicity, uniqueness, dynamism, cyclicity of processes, synergy, and uneven development. The criteria for assessing the spatial situation were established - comfort, efficiency, environmental friendliness, safety. The main conditions and factors of development regimes of separate territories are determined: environmental, economic, social, administrative, etc. The major development regulators - functions, processes, values, norms – are outlined. The spatial development of Ukraine is formed on a hierarchically balanced network of growth poles, which is able to stimulate and support the socio-economic development of territories of all levels, increase the number of dynamic elements, and improve their quality characteristics. This applies primarily to the acquisition by the development poles of interregional and metropolitan features, as well as functions important for social development that ensure interaction with the global system, and strengthening the factor of innovation in the spatial development of the state. Substantiated conceptual provisions of the spatial development of Ukraine allowed offering the specific practical proposals: reservation of territories for urban development needs, development of transport network and transport systems, development of engineering infrastructure and life support facilities, tasks of placing new objects in the complex spatial structure of the state, preservation of the natural complex, etc.