Problems of Science and Technology Development in Ukraine: Government, Science and Business in Creating Joint “Growth Points”/ “Clusters”

Abstract

The article is devoted to analysis of theoretical aspects involved in elaboration of problems of “growth points” and “cluster”, existing national practices of creating these entities (classification, regulatory framework), with searching for potential areas for creating joint “growth points”/ “clusters” within the science and technology sphere of Ukraine or with its engagement, and for new financial sources to support this process.

The search for “growth points” in the Ukrainian practice is usually confined to sectors like energy, military-industrial complex, information and communication technologies (ICT) or agro-industrial complex. Quite common are assumptions that “growth points” in the Ukrainian economy can be administrative and socio-political processes like privatization of public property or protest movements. Although socio-economic or political events can be in a way considered as “growth points” depending on objective, locality or capacity, when the competitiveness is born in mind, a “growth point” cannot be effective unless linked to the real economic processes, including global ones and, most importantly, the ones originated from R&D intensive activities. A retrospective comparison of clustering processes in Ukraine and beyond shows that in spite of large efforts and gained experiences the domestic practice of clustering lags far behind the global ones.

Results of the analysis devoted to the prospects of creating joint “growth points”/“clusters” with the participation of domestic science & technology entities, central and local power bodies and representatives from business sector (high tech industries) are presented. The analytical discussion covers a review of the existing theoretical and practical aspects involved in elaboration of problems such as “growth point” and “cluster”, a review of the domestic practices of their creation in various economic sectors, with outlining key problems, especially ones associated with the regulatory framework. Prospective areas (segments) within domestic economic sectors demonstrating rapid growth and linked to the global economy are indentified, which could lay a firm basis for creating joint “growth points”/“clusters”. Alternative sources of funding for creating the above mentioned “growth points”/“clusters” are substantiated by investigating the mechanisms for effective marketing of innovations by domestic companies.