MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF CLUSTERING UKRAINIAN REGIONS BY INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS

Abstract

The article is dedicated to solving the problem of clustering the regions of Ukraine based on innovative development indicators, which is an important tool for assessing economic processes at the regional level. Evaluating innovation activity and the innovative performance of enterprises is a key element in the study of economic systems, as these aspects directly influence competitiveness, economic growth, and sustainable development. The article discusses the main approaches to classifying regions by their level of innovative development, and analytical methods are applied, including discriminant analysis, which allows identifying the most significant innovative factors for each region.
Discriminant analysis was chosen due to its ability to classify units (in this case, regions) based on several variable indicators. A number of indicators were selected to represent scientific and technological potential, investment in innovation, and the effectiveness of innovation activity of enterprises. However, given the limited access to data, indicators reflecting the potential for conducting scientific research and implementing innovations in the regions of Ukraine were prioritized.
The results of the analysis revealed that most Ukrainian regions are characterized by low innovation activity among enterprises, which points to significant issues in the system supporting innovative development. Specifically, this indicates deficiencies in regional innovation development strategies, which are not always effective in stimulating enterprises to implement the latest technologies and developments. It was determined that regions with high innovation potential have significant disparities in the levels of support for innovation activity, which requires adjustments in state and regional policies to enhance innovation activity at the local level.
The conclusions drawn allow for the formulation of recommendations to improve regional development strategies, focusing them on creating favorable conditions for innovation activity, increasing scientific and technological potential, and stimulating enterprises to implement innovations. These proposals are based on a detailed analysis and justification of innovation priorities for each region of Ukraine, which will contribute to increasing the effectiveness of economic policies at the regional level.