THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC PARADIGM OF «SMART INFRASTRUCTURE»: THE CASE OF UKRAINE

Analytical data are presented on transformational indicators in Ukrainian cities, alongside a comparative cartographic analysis of countries leading in smart city development. This includes correlations with the Human Development Index, Gender Inequality Index, Gender Development Index, and the E-Government Development Index. The article examines potential pathways for building smart infrastructure in Ukrainian cities, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with leading European nations known for their high levels of digitalization and competitiveness. An assessment of the Regional Digital Transformation Index and digitalization levels across Ukraine is also provided. Based on the conducted research, the authors propose a theoretical model for the strategic development of smart infrastructure in sustainable urban communities. This model emphasizes a human-centered approach. The study concludes that the concept of smart cities is gaining increasing relevance in Ukraine and requires in-depth exploration not only for large cities but also for smaller urban settlements. The developed approaches, theoretical frameworks, and identified issues may serve as a foundation for future public policy planning in the context of post-war recovery and the socio-economic paradigm of smart city functionality. The formation of smart cities is a global trend, which emphasizes the relevance of the research and requires solving many current problems regarding the implementation of smart technologies, which are critically important for the management system functioning of the at the city level.