Maritime Clusters As An Innovative Form Of Development Of Coastal Regions Of Ukraine

The subject of the research is the scientific substantiation of the theoretical foundations and development of recommendations for the creation and functioning of maritime clusters in Ukraine as an innovative form of development of coastal regions. Methodology. General scientific methods used in the study, in particular: theoretical generalization; methods of positive and normative analysis, statistical analysis. The aim is the scientific substantiation of the theoretical principles and development of recommendations for the creation and functioning of marine clusters in Ukraine as an innovative form of development of coastal regions. The conclusion of the study. The analysis showed that the dynamics of profitability indicators against the background of a gradual increase in gross profit of enterprises in 2010-2013, 2016-2018 and 2019-2020. It should be noted that in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018 the enterprises of transport and logistics industry of Ukraine were unprofitable, which indicates an increase in the growth rate of costs over profits. However, Russia's war against Ukraine has made significant adjustments to the efficiency of transport and logistics companies. Due to the blockade of ports, the economy loses about $170 million every day. Ukraine has currently lost control of four ports: Mariupol, Berdyansk, Skadovsk and Kherson (concessionaire – Risoil and Georgian Industrial Group). As the results of the study showed, the coastal regions of Ukraine currently need a separate public policy. For this purpose it is necessary to mobilize the scientific potential of Ukrainian marine biologists, geographers, specialists in the field of maritime and environmental law and economics, as well as to initiate cooperation of central, regional and local authorities in the cluster development of the maritime complex in coastal regions. The development of clusters is a distinctive feature of the modern innovation economy. The topic of clusters is becoming increasingly relevant for both theory and business practice all over the world. Clusters have become an effective tool for the development of individual areas and regions, which has contributed to improving overall national competitiveness for many countries. In this regard, further research can be aimed at developing a comprehensive mechanism for the functioning of marine clusters (classified in this study) in specific coastal regions as an innovative form of sustainable development of these regions, as well as the implementation of this mechanism in the domestic practice of national economic management.