Development of cluster policy in the agro-food sector of Ukraine

Goal. To summarize the existing approaches to the definition of the essence of the concept of “cluster policy” and reveal the state of its development in the agro-food sector of Ukraine. Methods. The study uses general scientific methods of scientific research: monographic and dialectical — to analyze the evolution and development of cluster formations in the agro-food sector; to determine the essence of the basic categories, the peculiarities of creating cluster associations in the dairy business; systematic generalization — to systematize aspects of food policy in Ukraine and the EU countries and substantiate conclusions; tabular — to demonstrate the place of clusters in the national strategic policy for the development of the agri-food sector. Results. It was determined that the strategic priorities for the development of clustering of economic sectors in Ukraine were certain, but it was necessary to accelerate the development of: the legislative framework of clusters with financial and advisory support tools, mechanisms for their evaluation and monitoring, measures to attract influential stakeholders to cluster initiatives, etc. The example of milk product clusters in Ukraine showed that the cluster movement was a driver of economic growth in each specific sector of the agri-food sector. The activity of enterprises in clusters was based on the principles of long-term, mutually beneficial partnership, creation of prerequisites for increasing employment in the regions, attracting more small enterprises, ensuring the quality and safety of food products, and sustainable development of enterprises in the raw materials, processing, and other links of production and distribution chains. Conclusions. Domestic and European experience proves the prospects for the development of the cluster system in the agri-food sector and the need to form an effective cluster policy that coordinates the flows of knowledge within clusters and their activities, taking into account the priorities of regional development, their specialization, and innovations.