PECULIARITIES AND TOOLS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE ENTERPRISE RELOCATION STRATEGY IN UKRAINE

Abstract

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the essence, key characteristics, and strategic significance of business relocation as a modern adaptive response to the multifaceted challenges posed by globalization, economic crises, and military conflicts. The focus of the study is primarily on Ukraine, particularly during the period of martial law, where relocation has become a crucial survival strategy for businesses. The relevance of this topic is underscored by the urgent need for companies to ensure operational stability, minimize risks, and guarantee long-term sustainability amidst rapidly changing and unstable environments. The paper discusses the theoretical and practical dimensions of business relocation, emphasizing its complex nature, which involves the partial or complete transfer of enterprise resources, infrastructure, and human capital to alternative geographical locations. A comprehensive classification system is introduced to differentiate types of relocation, categorizing them by scope, direction, initiator, and the source of financing. Additionally, the article delves into the contributions of notable scholars, including P. Krugman, M. Porter, and J. Schumpeter, exploring the economic theories behind relocation, particularly the territorial redistribution of productive forces and the role of innovation in driving relocation decisions. Special attention is devoted to the unique motivations for Ukrainian businesses to relocate during wartime, including the protection of employees and assets, the destruction of physical infrastructure, the loss of key markets, and the search for new opportunities for growth and development. Empirical case studies of Ukrainian companies that successfully relocated to safer regions are also provided, highlighting the effectiveness of adaptive mechanisms. The role of state and regional support programs in facilitating such relocations is examined, offering valuable insights into the ways in which governments can assist in preserving economic stability in times of crisis. The findings presented in the article provide a solid foundation for further research into business resilience and the formulation of policies that can enhance the ability of businesses to withstand crisis conditions, ensuring their continuity in the face of adversity.