FORMATION OF REGIONAL INNOVATION HUBS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the process of forming regional innovation hubs in Ukraine in the context of post-war economic recovery and the growing need for the digitalization of investment project management. The study identifies key factors that influence the success of creating regional innovation hubs: the concentration of startup activity, the availability of highly qualified IT specialists, the presence of robust digital infrastructure, and the effective interaction between the state, the private sector, and scientific and educational institutions. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the digital maturity of regions and its role in increasing attractiveness for investors and the speed of making managerial decisions. The research methodology is based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis, including statistical analysis of investment dynamics for the 2020–2025 period, comparative analysis of regional startup ecosystems, assessment of the digital maturity of regions, and the modeling of functional relationships between the innovation hub and the digital platform for managing investment projects. The results of the study demonstrate that the concentration of investments and high levels of regional digital maturity correlate significantly with the growth of startup activity and the creation of technology companies. The article emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to the formation of regional innovation hubs, the integration of digital tools, and state support to stimulate innovative development and the recovery of the Ukrainian economy. These proposed recommendations can be used to form a national strategy for the development of innovation ecosystems, while planning investments across different regions based on their digital readiness and innovation potential.