STARTUP INFRASTRUCTURE AS A COMPONENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INNOVATIVE ECONOMY IN UKRAINE

Abstract

In conditions of high globalisation, an innovative economy is a key driver of sustainable economic growth and competitiveness of states. The purpose of this article is to justify the directions for the formation of start-up infrastructure as a component of the development of an innovative economy in Ukraine. In the context of global competition and rapid technological development, it is startups that act as conduits of innovation and a source of structural transformation of the national economy. The relevance of the transition from a raw material-based to an innovation-oriented economic model, in which the startup ecosystem should become the main source of value creation, technological development and employment growth, is substantiated. The article focuses on the relationship between high-quality infrastructure support for start-ups and the success of innovative projects, proving that infrastructure is a decisive factor in the scaling of technology start-ups. An overview of the current state of startup infrastructure in Ukraine is provided, and government initiatives to develop innovative infrastructure are examined in detail, including the creation of startup schools at leading universities aimed at combining science and entrepreneurship. Special attention is paid to supporting dual-use projects and the defence tech sector in response to the challenges posed by the war. Systemic barriers that hinder the development of the startup ecosystem in Ukraine have been identified: fragmented infrastructure, insufficient funding, lack of a comprehensive state strategy, imperfect legal framework, and weak links between education and business. The formation of an effective startup infrastructure requires a systematic approach: coordination of efforts between the state, business, the academic community, and international partners. The appropriate infrastructure will create conditions for stable growth, technological breakthroughs, and Ukraine's integration into the European innovation space. In the post-war period, startups can become focal points for the recovery of regional economies, drivers of employment, and generators of globally competitive solutions.