STRATEGIC PRIORITIES FOR ENHANCING THE ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF AGGLOMERATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF SPATIAL ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines the strategic priorities for strengthening the economic potential of Ukrainian agglomerations under conditions of spatial transformation and wartime challenges. In this context, a system of strategic priorities is proposed, covering security, economic, innovation, infrastructure, and environmental dimensions. The first priority is ensuring security and resilience through integrating risk management into strategic planning, developing civil protection systems, establishing reserves of critical infrastructure, diversifying economic structures, and supporting business continuity planning. The second priority involves building a competitive innovation and investment model grounded in the functional specialization of agglomerations. This includes fostering a transparent business environment, supporting investment initiatives, developing public–private partnerships, and creating innovation ecosystems such as technology parks, industrial parks, incubators, and accelerators. Special emphasis is placed on digitalization. The third block emphasizes infrastructure modernization and recovery as the backbone of economic growth and competitiveness. Key measures include coordinating intermunicipal efforts in restoring transport systems, developing public transport, modernizing water supply, sewage, and waste management, and expanding digital infrastructure with a focus on smart technologies. An example is the cooperation within the Lviv agglomeration to expand electric transport to suburban communities. The fourth priority is integrating the “green” transition into agglomeration-level development planning. Agglomerations are expected to become pilot areas for implementing green economy principles through intermunicipal initiatives in energy modernization, electric transport, resource efficiency, and attracting investments into sustainable projects. The fifth block concerns institutional strengthening and intermunicipal cooperation. It highlights the need for legislative recognition of agglomerations, the creation of governance structures with coordination functions, the expansion of intermunicipal agreements and joint projects, and capacity building for local governments. Finally, the article underlines the importance of balanced spatial development to avoid excessive concentration in urban cores and peripheral decline. It is concluded that the implementation of these priorities will reinforce the economic potential of Ukrainian agglomerations, enhance their resilience to wartime and post-war challenges, improve competitiveness, and position them as key drivers of Ukraine’s socio-economic recovery and long-term development.