Current directions of inclusive development of small and medium-sized enterprises of Ukraine in the agricultural industry

Abstract

The article is devoted to studying the critical role played by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in forming the system of inclusive development of the agro-food industry in Ukraine. The urgency of this issue becomes evident in the conditions of a full-scale war and the need for post-war reconstruction. To achieve this goal, the work uses various research methods, including survey-analytical, abstract-logical generalization, graphic method, system analysis, and synthesis. In this work, the institutional prerequisites of the concept of inclusive development were determined, strategies in this direction were outlined, and scientific approaches to interpreting the term "inclusive development" were generalized. We offer a conceptual model of the inclusive development of SMEs in Ukraine and have identified the role of SMEs in forming an inclusive environment of the agro-food sector. The development of SMEs in the agri-food industry should be based on inclusiveness, which involves including different groups of society, ensuring equal opportunities, and supporting participation in entrepreneurship. The agri-food sector requires the ability of SMEs to develop sustainably and innovate. Inclusive development should focus on creating conditions for innovative growth, which will contribute to the competitiveness of enterprises. It is essential to emphasize the role of SMEs in fulfilling the social mission, mainly promoting the preservation and development of regional communities, and ensuring quality products and employment. Effective inclusive development involves establishing partnerships between SMEs, the public sector, and government institutions and ensuring access to financial, technological, and educational resources. The inclusive development of SMEs in the agri-food sector must consider gender aspects, promoting equal access of women and men to entrepreneurial activities. The article also analyzes the existing and prospective state support mechanisms for SMEs in wartime. We consider how SMEs can influence the country's post-war reconstruction in the context of the agri-food industry. Our further research will be aimed at substantiating the main directions of SME development in the conditions of an inclusive economy, improving the toolkit for assessing the inclusive development of SMEs and substantiating the model of inclusive development of SMEs in the agri-food industry. Keywords: small and medium-sized enterprises, inclusive development, inclusion, concept of inclusive development, model of inclusive development, agri-food industry, agri-food enterprises