PRINCIPLES OF STRUCTURAL REFORM AND ENSURING THE ECONOMIC SECURITY OF REGIONAL SMALL ENTERPRISES

Abstract

The article examines the aspects and characteristics of structural reform in the regional small business sector. The principles, adherence to which by regional authorities allows for supporting the development and modernization of small business entities in the region, are identified and described. The aim of the article is to define and characterize the principles of structural reform in the context of strengthening the economic security of the regional small business sector. The study analyzes the transformations that the small business sector in the regions of Ukraine has undergone under conditions of war and external environment instability, manifested in a reduction in the number of active enterprises, changes in the profile of their activities, restructuring of logistics chains, and a shift to remote and online modes of operation. It is established that these changes are accompanied by increased economic, operational, and financial risks, which necessitate the adaptation of enterprises and the optimization of internal processes. The article emphasizes the urgent need to form a proactive regional policy aimed at supporting and developing small businesses, which combines measures to stimulate the recovery of enterprise activities, the development of new forms of business, support for entrepreneurial initiative, and simultaneously ensures stability and protection of assets. It is determined that the effectiveness of such a policy largely depends on adherence to key principles: compliance with the specifics of small business and the conditions of the external environment, flexibility and adaptability, goal orientation, comprehensiveness and systemness, transparency and predictability, as well as the efficient use of resources. The abstract emphasizes that the implementation of these principles creates conditions for the long-term development of small businesses, enhances their resilience and competitiveness, and strengthens the economic security of enterprises at the regional level.