Innovative Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Institutions of Ukraine Within the Framework of Industry 4.0

The article is dedicated to the study of innovative entrepreneurship in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ukraine within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) as a key factor for economic development under martial law and the prospects for post-war recovery. The study analyzes the current state of innovative activities in leading Ukrainian universities, such as Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, and Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, with an emphasis on their role in forming startup ecosystems and implementing Industry 4.0 technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and robotics. Based on a theoretical analysis of the literature, case studies of technology companies (IT-Enterprise, Triada Welding, 482.Solutions, etc.), and projected survey results, the potential of higher education institutions as drivers of innovation has been assessed in conditions of limited funding, outdated infrastructure, and weak interaction with business. The aim of the research is to identify barriers and opportunities for the development of innovative entrepreneurship in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Ukraine and to develop a model for its integration into the higher education system based on Industry 4.0 principles. A mixed methodological approach was used, which includes a systematic analysis of the state of innovation ecosystems, a case method for evaluating collaboration with business, and forecasting based on hypothetical data. The results indicate that Ukrainian higher education institutions have significant potential to create innovation hubs, but they require the adaptation of educational programs, strengthening partnerships with technology companies, and infrastructure updates. Particular attention is paid to practical cases of companies that demonstrate successful digitalization (for example, IT-Enterprise with business process automation) and their potential for collaboration with universities. The proposed model for integrating innovative entrepreneurship involves adapting curricula to Industry 4.0 technologies, creating innovation hubs similar to Sikorsky Challenge, and establishing systematic interaction with businesses. The conclusions emphasize that higher education institutions can become the foundation for Ukraine’s economic growth, especially in wartime conditions, when technologies simultaneously address defense tasks (AI analytics for drones) and prepare the groundwork for recovery (IoT in smart cities). The practical significance of the work lies in the recommendations for higher education institutions, the State, and businesses regarding the stimulation of innovations, while the prospects for further research encompass the analysis of State policy and the international experience of Industry 4.0 leading countries (the USA, Germany, Japan). The article contributes to the understanding of the role of universities in the digital transformation of Ukraine’s economy.