IT Clusters as a Tool for Smart Specialization of the Regions of Ukraine

Smart specialization strategies are actively implemented as part of a large-scale action plan for the development of the EU eco- nomy. Ukraine also comprehensively implements approaches to smart specialization in the development and implementation of regional development strategies. At the same time, IT clusters are developing both in the EU and in Ukraine. But the vast majority of studies do not pay attention to the specific characteristics of IT clusters in the context of the formation and implementation of smart specialization strategies. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to determine the role of IT clusters as a tool for ensuring smart spe- cialization strategies in Ukraine. The concepts of smart specialization and regional clusters are similar in their emphasis on (1) productivity and innovation as key factors of competitiveness; (2) regional integration of local advantages. The differences between the concepts lie in the final result. For smart specialization, the search and dissemination of knowledge for the emergence of new opportunities on the market are important. At the same time, the increase in productivity of cluster members and the development of related industries are important for regional clusters. Regional clusters can be considered as an element of the smart specialization strategy. We can talk about smart clustering in the process of smart specialization. A comparative analysis of the functioning of foreign and domestic IT clusters showed that the action of foreign clusters is aimed at cooperation with local/regional authorities, educational institutions and business. The clusters presented in the work provide support to enterprises (including industrial ones) in the transition to sustainable digital technologies. The majority of domestic IT clusters are formed in regions with limited industrial potential and are involved in educational and social projects, projects on the interaction of IT clusters with the local authorities of the regions. Based on the nature and modern role of IT clusters, they can be considered as a resource and accelerator for all areas of smart specialization. Ukraine has two main ways of using the potential of domestic IT clusters to ensure smart specialization. The first way involves the maximally accelerated integration into the S3 Platform of all regional initiatives regarding smart specialization. The second way involves the creation of the national S3 Platform (for Ukraine) with the aim of consolidating all initiatives within the framework of regional smart specialization strategies, their coordination at the national level with further integration into the pan-European S3 platform. There is also a third intermediate path, which involves the simultaneous integration of individual initiatives into the European S3 platform, and the creation of its own nationwide S3 Platform (for Ukraine).