CLUSTERING OF REGIONS OF UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING AND POST-WAR RECONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The restructuring of Ukraine’s economy in the context of transformations and post-war recovery requires a deep analysis of socio-economic processes across regions. A study on clustering Ukraine’s regions based on the dynamics of exports, imports, and the number of business entities from 2022 to 2024 has revealed significant territorial differences in economic activity changes. Based on the analysis, four main regional clusters are identified: 1) regions with moderate changes in the number of business entities and export volumes; 2) regions experiencing the most significant negative changes in export volumes; 3) regions with substantial changes in the number of business entities but moderate changes in export volumes; 4) regions with the least changes in both indicators, indicating stability during crises. The identified differences in economic dynamics confirm the need for a differentiated approach to economic recovery programs. Socio-economic trends shaped by crises and military actions necessitate adaptive mechanisms for supporting entrepreneurship and stimulating investment activity based on each region's specific characteristics. The application of digital technologies plays a key role in economic restructuring. The automation of business processes, the development of e-commerce, and digital platforms will contribute to increasing regional competitiveness. The implementation of digital tools enables real-time analysis of economic activity changes, the development of effective regional development strategies, and transparency in decision-making processes. The study results can be used to assess the effectiveness of regional policies and develop practical recommendations for restoring economic activity in Ukraine’s regions. It also serves as a foundation for formulating strategic directions for economic restructuring within the framework of digital transformation and post-war recovery.