The prospects of implementing the principles of the EU’s smart specialization into the Ukrainian practice of state regulation of innovation development

Abstract

The article focuses on the fact that the newest mechanisms of state regulation of innovation processes acquire special significance according to the conditions of the formation of an innovative model of the Ukrainian economy. The relevance of the study is enhanced by the understanding that the development of such mechanisms of management of innovative processes becomes of great importance, as well as it can provide the ability of the institutes of society to realize innovative development priorities. The purpose of the study is to consider the feasibility of applying the concept of smart specialization in non-EU countries, in Ukraine particularly. This involves consideration of issues, the possibility of its effective application at the regional level, the analysis of self-sufficiency of local decisions and resources, and justifying the need for the creation of a supreme regulatory authority. Methodology. To achieve the goals set forth in the work, the following research methods were used: theoretical generalization; system approach; methods of positive and normative analysis, etc. Results. The results of the research indicate that from the point of view of smart specialization, regional innovation strategies in Ukraine appear to be rather declarative than instrumental ones. Most of them do not provide mechanisms for updating priorities and support measures. Only in single documents it is indicated who should analyse the actual level of development of innovation activity and adjust its priorities. Performance indicators are mainly focused on monitoring the state of the research and development sector. It has been established that innovative priorities, formulated without taking into account the principles of smart specialization, as a rule, simply involve a combination of traditional economic specialization and new branches of science and technology, without taking into account structural changes in the economy of the surrounding regions and the country as well. Practical meaning. The practical significance of the study is that the article deals with both the problems and the prospects of introducing the principles of smart specialization into the Ukrainian practice of state regulation of innovation development. It is indicated which levels of public administration should be involved in the process of developing strategies for smart specialization and which aspects should be given special attention when implementing an approach outside the EU. Prospects for further research. It is proposed to use in the Ukrainian practice of state regulation of innovation development the main provisions of a smart specialization, which constitute a set of rules for the selection of priorities within the framework of the strategy of innovation development. These rules are collected in a single EU methodological document – «Guide to Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisations».