FORMATION OF INNOVATION POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TECHNOLOGIES IN UTILITIES SECTOR ENTERPRISES

Abstract

The article is devoted to the formation of innovation policy of enterprises of the utilities sector in the conditions of its transformation. The purpose of the article is to determine the features of the formation of innovation policy of enterprises of the utilities sector and to study the mechanisms of its effective implementation. It is substantiated that an effective innovation policy is usually formed within the enterprise, based on the initiatives of managers at different levels, and stimulates the growth of demand for services, the expansion of the volumes of services provided and the improvement of financial indicators. The components of the process of forming an effective innovation policy of the enterprise are determined: ensuring an atmosphere of psychological safety, developing the potential for knowledge absorption, ensuring a balance between research and operational activities and ensuring structural integration. The directions of implementation of innovation policy in the utilities sector are highlighted: energy efficiency, digitalization of services, waste management, mobility and transport, environmental technologies, community participation. The main types of innovations introduced by enterprises in the implementation of innovation policy are characterized (production, technological, managerial, social, environmental, marketing, information and communication). The reasons for the need to introduce innovations at enterprises of the utilities sector and the obvious advantages of this process are formulated. An algorithm for the formation of innovation policy by enterprises of the utilities sector in modern conditions is presented in the form of seven consecutive stages: assessment of the initial state and needs, determination of strategic priorities of innovations, creation of a roadmap of innovation policy, resource provision, personnel training and change of corporate culture, implementation/deepening (depending on the initial state) of digitalization and transparency, constant monitoring of results and adjustment of policy. The originality of the research results lies in the fact that the substantiation of the types of innovations introduced by enterprises of the utilities sector has been further developed, the benefits of this process have been generalized and a certain algorithm for implementing innovation policy has been formed. The practical value of the research results lies in the possibility of their use by the management of utilities to form innovation policy, in particular according to the proposed algorithm, as well as in conducting further scientific research in this direction.