INNOVATIVE POTENTIAL OF UKRAINE UNDER WAR CONDITIONS: TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

The article examines Ukraine's innovation potential under wartime conditions, analyzing its position in the Global Innovation Index of innovation activity. It considers the dynamics of the country's innovative development compared to the pre-war period and identifies the main challenges faced by the innovation sector in the context of armed conflict. The study highlights the main directions of Ukraine's innovative activities during the war, particularly technological innovations in the military sector, IT sector development, activities of the Ukrainian Startup Fund, and international cooperation. Special attention is paid to the development of defense technologies, including drones and electronic warfare systems. The role of these innovations in enhancing the country's defense capabilities and their potential application in civilian spheres after the war is analyzed. The article analyzes Ukraine's position in the Global Innovation Index for 2021-2023, noting both improvements in some areas and challenges in others. It examines the dynamics of the Ukrainian startup ecosystem in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index ranking, demonstrating the resilience of the innovation sector even under wartime conditions. The paper also presents a forecast for the development of Ukraine's innovation sector until the end of 2024, focusing on defense technologies, IT sector growth, and green technologies. Expected trends in each of these areas are highlighted, including international cooperation, job creation, and investments in startups. Particular attention is paid to the role of the Diia.City program in stimulating IT industry development and attracting investments. The research emphasizes the importance of innovation for Ukraine's economic resilience and recovery, identifying key opportunities and challenges in wartime and post-war periods. Potential directions for the development of green technologies and renewable energy are considered as important elements of the country's economic recovery and modernization strategy. The conclusions emphasize the need for an adaptive innovation policy that addresses current wartime challenges while laying the foundations for Ukraine's long-term innovative development. The article offers recommendations for strengthening the innovation potential and its effective use for post-war reconstruction and economic growth.