Digital ecosystems as a driver for improving the competitiveness of Ukraine’s economy

Abstract

The relevance of this study is driven by the need to ensure technological modernization, strengthen innovation capacity, and adapt the national economic system to the requirements of the digital era, which is particularly important in the context of post-war recovery and strengthening economic resilience.

The purpose of the article is to scientifically justify the strategic role of digital ecosystems in forming Ukraine’s competitive advantages, to examine their key structural components, and to evaluate the country’s position in leading international digital and innovation rankings (NRI, GII). The research employs systemic and comparative analysis, an index-based approach, as well as structural-logical and descriptive methods.

The study results identify the role of digital ecosystems in shaping the competitiveness of Ukraine’s national economy in the context of global digital transformation. Conceptual approaches to interpreting the digital ecosystem are analyzed and its structural components are outlined, in particular digital infrastructure, human capital, the innovation environment, and institutional and legal mechanisms. Based on the Network Readiness Index and Global Innovation Index indicators, a comparative assessment of Ukraine’s digital and innovation performance relative to leading global economies and countries of Central and Eastern Europe is conducted. Key strengths (high level of digital skills among the population, active development of the startup ecosystem, significant IT sector potential) and systemic constraints (insufficient R&D investment, institutional instability, regional digital disparities, limited access to venture financing) are identified. An analytical matrix of strategic directions for strengthening Ukraine’s digital competitiveness is proposed, with emphasis on supporting innovation infrastructure, developing human capital, and fostering a favorable institutional environment.

The conclusions state that the development of digital ecosystems is an important factor in strengthening Ukraine’s international competitiveness and forming an economy capable of generating high technological added value.