MODEL OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OF R&D INSTITUTIONS OF THE NAS OF UKRAINE IN THE CONTEXT OF UKRAINE’S INTEGRATION INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION

Abstract

Introduction. Modern challenges increasingly exhibit a systemic nature, disrupting existing development trajectories and requiring effective cooperation among governments, research institutions and universities, business, and society within innovation ecosystems. Such cooperation is necessary to identify effective solutions to contemporary global challenges. The European Research Area (ERA), as a key component of the European innovation ecosystem, has formed a consolidated policy framework in research and innovation, bringing together resources and stakeholders to generate new knowledge and scale innovation solutions.
Problem Statement. In the context of Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and the integration of Ukraine’s national research space into the European Research Area, determining the place and role of R&D institutions of the NAS of Ukraine in the processes of European integration has become an important and relevant task.
Purpose. The purpose of this study has been to analyze the approaches of the European research and innovation system, examine the steps of European integration of Ukraine’s research and innovation system, and review theoretical and methodological approaches to innovation processes, technology transfer, and innovation systems and ecosystems. Based on this analysis, the study has aimed to develop a model of European integration for R&D institutions of the NAS of Ukraine.
Materials and Methods. The methodological framework of the study has been based on the application of comprehensive analytical methods, including theoretical generalization, expert assessment, and synthesis. Reports of European and national governmental institutions and organizations, as well as foreign and Ukrainian scholarly research publications related to the research topic, have been used as primary sources of information.
Results. The study has summarized the key approaches of the European research and innovation system, the stages
of European integration of Ukraine’s research and innovation system, and theoretical and methodological approaches to innovation processes, technology transfer, and innovation systems and ecosystems. Based on an analysis of the development of the ecosystem approach, innovation systems and ecosystems, innovation process models, technology transfer models, and the Triple Helix and Quadruple Helix frameworks, the research has proposed a multi-level model of the European integration of R&D institutions of the NAS of Ukraine. Structurally, the model defines the integration of R&D institutions of the NAS of Ukraine into the European Research Area within the broader process of integrating Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem into the European innovation ecosystem.
Conclusions. The results of the study have demonstrated that the proposed model can support the modernization
of Ukraine’s R&D sector, facilitate alignment with EU standards, and increase research efficiency through the implementation of European principles of performance evaluation, internationalization, technology transfer, and deeper integration into the European Research Area.