The Problems and Prospects of Socioeconomic Development of Regions of Ukraine

Abstract

The article identifies the problems and prospects of socioeconomic development of the regions of Ukraine on the basis of coordination of the interests of the State authorities, representatives of business and society. It is noted that the existant approaches to solving social and economic problems of the regions of Ukraine do not fully meet the current requirements and conditions for the existence of territories and hamper all reproduction processes that could ensure the development of the regional economy. It is singled out that the existing difficult conditions of doing business and the present political situation aggravate the problems of disparities in the regions of the country. The classification of regions of Ukraine by levels and rates of economic and social development is provided. The places in the rating of regions according to the criteria of economic growth are calculated. The barriers that exist today on the path of economic and social development of the territories of Ukraine are specified. It is noted that under these conditions, the economy of the regions of Ukraine is characterized by a decrease in the level of financial security of development in consequence of the financial and economic crisis, a decrease in the sources of additional (extra-budgetary) financial resources, an unfavorable investment climate and ineffective economic policy of local authorities. The prospects of socioeconomic development of the regions of Ukraine are defined. It is noted that regional authorities and business representatives need to pay attention to the creation of stock markets in the regions, the emergence and development of which will contribute to investment attractiveness in various spheres of economic activity. It is concluded that the extant problems of socioeconomic development of the regions of Ukraine pose a number of questions to the State authorities regarding the harmonious growth of the economy of all regions. First of all, this concerns: improving the quality of life of the population, reducing mortality, improving the level of ecological safety, developing priority industry sectors, increasing the competitiveness of regional economic systems. The proposed directions and methods of solving the problems of socioeconomic development of the regions of Ukraine will provide new opportunities for establishing relations between the authorities, business and society on the basis of a balance of common interests.