SMART SPECIALIZATION OF THE REGION: FUNDAMENTALS OF FORMATION, DEVELOPMENT AND DISSEMINATION

Abstract

The article is devoted to the development of theoretical foundations of the concept of smart specialization at the regional level, the search for "smart" strategies and the dissemination of relevant processes, as well as of prerequisites that contribute to the sustainable development of regions. It is determined that the theories of uneven development and regional imbalance serve as a basis and starting point for the formation of smart specialization processes in the regions. The main postulates of the development of smart specialization in terms of economic schools, which emphasize the importance of technological progress for the growth of the economy and the country's competitiveness, are systematized. The main stages of the development and dissemination of smart specialization in the market space are highlighted. It has been established that smart specialization is an innovative tool of the EU, which contributes to the progressive development of the regional economy due to strategic approaches to the regional environment. The European Commission considers the renewal of European industry and the economy in general through the development of smart specialization strategies. The main criteria of modern regional innovation strategies in terms of the formation of smart specialization have been identified. Possibilities of smart specialization in the development of the country's regions have been proven. 
 Thus, smart specialization contributes to the transformation of regions into world-class European regional clusters through strategic growth priorities, which is reflected in relevant theories and concepts of regional development. In view of wide prospects offered by smart specialization, as well as taking into account the need to deepen cooperation between our country and EU countries within the framework of the European Good Neighbor Policy, it is necessary to disseminate the innovative culture of regional development and cooperation in Ukraine. The experience accumulated by European countries, which have a successful experience of implementing smart specialization in the regional economy, should be adapted and implemented in the regions of Ukraine to ensure sustainable development and improve the welfare of the country. It is possible to achieve the desired level of the development of the country under the condition of forming a favorable innovation climate within each region and introducing a system of mutually beneficial cooperation of all participants within the framework of smart specialization.