Regional Structural Policy in Ukraine: The Theoretical Approaches and Problems of Implementation

The article discusses the conception of regional structural policy, which is an important component of the overall economic policy of the State. The main objective of the regional structural policy is to transform the sectoral structure of the region and achieve sustainable economic growth through innovation, economic diversification and efficient use of resource potential. It is emphasized that regional policy should be aimed at taking into account the specific conditions of each region, and not only national priorities. One of the main tasks is to stimulate innovation, form high-tech sectors and ensure competitive advantages for the development of the territories' economy. Structural changes at the regional level can have a significant impact on the overall economic development of the country, which requires the implementation of specific strategies that take into account the specifics of each territory. The article characterizes the functions of regional structural policy, including regulatory, distributional, control and strategic planning. It is determined that the effective implementation of this policy requires a clear regulatory framework, financial and credit support, as well as institutional interaction between State bodies, local authorities and civil society institutions. The main methods of regulation are direct State investment, subsidies, foreign capital attraction, and preferential taxation. Implementation of the regional structural policy in Ukraine is hampered by the lack of clearly defined powers between central and local authorities, insufficient funding for local authorities, and the absence of an effective regional development strategy. Centralization of resources and finances limits the autonomy of the regions, which hinders the development of local economies. At the same time, promoting the creation of local financial institutions, developing investment strategies, and providing access to financial markets will significantly increase the efficiency of regional structural policy. The authorsemphasize the importance of decentralization and strengthening the role of local authorities in managing economic development in the territories. A regional structural policy that focuses on the specifics of each region is a prerequisite for ensuring balanced economic development of the country as a whole.