THE CLUSTER APPROACH TO THE DIGITALIZATION OF PUBLIC GOVERNANCE IN THE REGIONAL STRATEGY: INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE AND UKRAINIAN REALITIES

Abstract

Digitalization of all spheres of life, from the business sector to public administration, has now become a common trend in the development of Ukrainian society, one of the main drivers of the socio-economic development of the country. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the feasibility of the cluster approach to the digitalization of public administration in the regional strategy, taking into account international best practices. Methodology. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study are the provisions of institutional theory, in particular, the paradigm of evolutionary development, digital economy, regional economy, clustering theory, the concept of strategic management, decentralization, public administration. In the process of research the following general scientific methods were used: analysis and synthesis (for the analysis of scientific schools of development of cluster theories, generalization of existing theoretical approaches and provisions, scientific developments on public administration, regional strategy, management of cluster development and clarification of terminological apparatus); classification and systematic approach (identification of industry specifics of cluster structures development in different countries; determination of peculiarities of IT-clusters creation on the basis of analysis of regional development strategies); comparison and structural-logical generalization (determination of peculiarities of international practice of cluster development and possibilities of its use in Ukraine; elaboration of a number of measures on formation of regional infrastructure of digital electronic administrative services). Results. The study revealed the sectoral focus of cluster structures in European countries. The features of the implementation of cluster policy and the key objectives of support for the development of cluster structures in a number of EU countries were identified. It is proved that the clusterization of the national economy, cluster policies and initiatives in the last decade have become important elements of strategies and concepts of innovative and sustainable development of European countries. Based on the analysis and synthesis of sectoral trends in the creation of cluster structures in European countries, it was found that the national characteristics of existing cluster policy determine the direction of cluster initiatives; strategic cluster alternatives are determined by national characteristics and the adopted cluster concept; to assess the feasibility of the cluster strategy of development of the territory it is necessary to correlate the level of investment potential and investment activity; methodological principles of formation of a national cluster strategy need to be refined and clarified, taking into account the current challenges. Practical implications. Based on the generalization of best international practices, it was found that to increase the competitiveness of the regional economy it is necessary to create cluster structures in the IT industry as an effective form of partnership. However, the study showed that the current legislation of Ukraine does not pay proper attention to the formation and functioning of clusters, including in the IT sector. To this end, it is necessary to make changes and additions to the Concept of creating clusters in Ukraine, the Regional Development Strategy until 2027 and action plans for their implementation in 2021-2023 years to create cluster structures as a business entity. It is advisable to develop and approve the Concept of Cluster Policy and the Target Program "The formation and development of clusters in the regions of Ukraine for 2021-2023 years", which should provide for the creation of IT-clusters as a special type of associations of enterprises in different fields, taking into account regional specificity. Value/originality. Author's approach to improving the legislative framework for the development of IT clusters in the regions of Ukraine, taking into account international best practices.