Socioeconomic growth of EU countries: Key drivers, regional disparities, and lessons for Ukraine’s integration

Kseniia Chichulina; Oleh Ivashchuk; Vitaliy Zapukhlyak; Liudmyla Sakharnatska; Vladyslav Kindrativ

doi:10.31637/epsir-2026-2167

Autores/as

Kseniia Chichulina National University "Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic" https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7448-0180
Oleh Ivashchuk West Ukrainian National University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6261-8688
Vitaliy Zapukhlyak West Ukrainian National University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8976-4477
Liudmyla Sakharnatska Uzhhorod National University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5863-4917
Vladyslav Kindrativ Interregional Academy of Personnel Management https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7154-5521

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2026-2167

Palabras clave:

economic progress, socio-economic development, sustainable development, global instability, economic integration, regional disparities, innovation, human capital

Resumen

Introduction: The study aims to analyze key factors shaping the socio-economic development of European regions by examining development models, economic indicators, and support tools. The object of the study is the socio-economic development of European regions and its comparison with similar processes in Ukraine. Methodology: The research methodology is based on the analysis of theoretical models of socio-economic development, index methods and comparative analysis on the example of European countries and Ukraine. Results and Discussion: The results show that the successful socio-economic development of European regions largely depends on sustainable development policies, innovation strategies, and investments in human capital Countries like Switzerland and Finland show the value of strong educational, environmental, and tech policies for sustainable development, while Ukraine faces challenges such as regional inequality and institutional reform. The analysis of EU policy has shown that regional support instruments, such as development funds and climate change adaptation, can be used to improve the situation in Ukraine as well. Conclusions: The practical significance of the study is that it provides recommendations for improving the effectiveness of Ukraine's economic policy in the context of European integration, including infrastructure modernization, human capital development, and adaptation to changing economic conditions.

Descargas

Los datos de descargas todavía no están disponibles.

Biografía del autor/a

Kseniia Chichulina, National University "Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic"

Kseniia Chichulina holds a PhD in Technical Sciences and is an Associate Professor at the Department of Economics, Entrepreneurship and Marketing at the National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” in Poltava, Ukraine. Her academic interests include economic development, entrepreneurship, and marketing policy in transitional economies. She actively participates in research projects aimed at regional socio-economic transformation and innovation in business education.

Oleh Ivashchuk, West Ukrainian National University

Dr Oleh Ivashchuk is a PhD in Economics and a Lecturer at the Department of International Economics at West Ukrainian National University in Ternopil, Ukraine. His research focuses on international trade, European integration, and sustainable regional development. He is also involved in projects concerning Ukraine’s economic alignment with EU standards.

Vitaliy Zapukhlyak, West Ukrainian National University

Dr Vitaliy Zapukhlyak holds the academic degree of Candidate of Sciences in Economics. He is affiliated with West Ukrainian National University, where he contributes to research on economic security, public finance, and regional economic systems. His work involves interdisciplinary approaches to economic modeling and development strategies.

Liudmyla Sakharnatska, Uzhhorod National University

Liudmyla Sakharnatska is a Candidate of Economic Science, Senior Researcher, and Associate Professor at Uzhhorod National University. She also holds a Senior Researcher position at the Transcarpathian Regional Centre for Socio-Economic and Humanities Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Her scholarly work addresses regional development, cross-border cooperation, and socio-economic transformations in border areas.

Vladyslav Kindrativ, Interregional Academy of Personnel Management

Vladyslav Kindrativ is a PhD student in Management at the Interregional Academy of Personnel Management in Poltava, Ukraine. His academic interests include organizational development, innovation management, and strategic planning in public and private sectors. He is involved in early-career research on institutional effectiveness and regional management models.

Citas

Aalborg, K., & Olofsson, J. (2020). Understanding the role of higher education in regional development: The case of the Nordic countries. Nordic Council of Ministers. https://norden.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2:1478007

Aghion, P., Akcigit, U., & Howitt, P. (2022). The economics of innovation: An overview. Empirical Economics, 66(5), 1231-1260. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-022-01127-9

Bachtler, J., & Mendez, C. (2007). The influence of EU cohesion policy on regional development. European Planning Studies, 15(5), 695-710.

Barbero, J., & Rodríguez-Crespo, E. (2022). Technological, institutional, and geographical peripheries: Explaining regional disparities in the European Union. Regional Studies, 69, 311-332. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-022-01127-9 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00168-022-01127-9

Barro, R. J., & Sala-i-Martin, X. (2004). Economic growth. (2nd ed.). MIT Press. https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/economic-growth

Bertoletti, A., Berbegal-Mirabent, J., & Agasisti, T. (2022). Higher education systems and regional economic development in Europe: A combined approach using econometric and machine learning methods. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, 82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seps.2022.101231 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seps.2022.101231

Bielousov, V., Mykolaiets, A., Platonova, H., Buhlak, O., & Chernysh, A. (2023). The Gig Economy and its Impact on Social Security and Social Protection of Employees. Revista de Derecho de la Seguridad Social, Laborum, 36, 279–289. https://acortar.link/9FeOFH

Byrkovych, T., Denysiuk, Z., Gaievska, L., Akimova, L., Prokopenko, L., & Akimov, O. (2023). State Policy of Cultural and Art Projects Funding as a Factor in the Stability of State Development in the Conditions of Globalization. Economic Affairs (New Delhi), 68(01), 199-211. https://doi.org/10.46852/0424-2513.1s.2023.23 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46852/0424-2513.1s.2023.23

Central Statistics Office (2025). Gross Domestic Product at constant market prices. https://acortar.link/cj6w2P

Cherepiekhina, O. (2025). Paradoxes of modern science: challenges, consequences, and solutions in social and behavioral sciences. International Science Journal of Education & Linguistics, 4(1), 50-62. https://doi.org/10.46299/j.isjel.20250401.05 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46299/j.isjel.20250401.05

Chorii, Y. (2023). Socio-economic development of the region as an economic scientific definition. Economy and Society, 57. https://doi.org/10.32782/2524-0072/2023-57-135 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32782/2524-0072/2023-57-135

Danylenko, A. S., & Sokolska, T. V. (2017). Public management of socio-economic development of rural areas. Economics and Management of Agriculture, 1(2017), 5-12. https://acortar.link/vuA4EX

Dolishnyi, M. I. (2003). Regional policy and mechanisms of its implementation. Scientific thought. http://repository.ldufk.edu.ua/handle/34606048/30676

Elk, O. V. (2023). Comparative analysis of the efficiency of labor resources use in Ukraine and Germany (master's thesis, specialty 051 “Economics”). Zaporizhzhia National University. https://dspace.znu.edu.ua/jspui/handle/12345/18399

European Commission (2017). Ninth report on economic, social and territorial cohesion. https://www.europe-en-france.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/9cr_highlights.pdf

European Commission (2020a). Greece: Unemployment rate and trends. https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/indicators-statistics

European Commission (2020b). Study on national policies and cohesion. Final Report Contract No 2017CE16BAT125. European Commission, Brussels.

Eurosocial II (2025). Regional development policies in the European Union: Efficiency vs. equity objectives. http://sia.eurosocial-ii.eu/files/docs/1400661224-E2.pdf

Eurostat (2023). GDP and main components – current prices [Data for Spain]. https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/TEC00001/default/table?lang=en

Federal Statistical Office of Germany (2023). Scientific and technological research in Germany: Growth of investment in the STEM sector. https://www.destatis.de

Fedorenko, V. G., Gryshchenko, I. M., Novikova, O. F., Olshanska, O. V., Melnyk, A. O., Voronkova, T. E., Denysenko, M. P., Voitovych, R. V., Cherkasov, A. V., Vlasov, V. I., Palytsia, S. V., Fedorenko, S. V., Hryshchenko, A. I., Yankovets, T. M., Shatska, Z. Y., Patyka, N. I., Pankova, O., Bokov, O. V., Bokova, S. M., Pinchuk, Y. B., & Pyaskivska, M. S. (2017). The economy of Ukraine in the global and domestic dimensions. DKS Center LLC. https://er.knutd.edu.ua/handle/123456789/8904

Fiorenza, R., & Laffont, J. J. (2001). Spatial inequality in the European Union: A regional analysis. Journal of European Economy, 28(3), 312-330.

German Research Foundation (2023). Excellence Strategy – Strategy for the development of scientific research in Germany. https://www.dfg.de/en/research_funding

Ginsburgh, V., & Thissen, M. (2014). The EU and regional disparities: Understanding the causes and the implications. European Economic Review, 60, 54–72. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014292114000159

Izvorski, I., Kasyanenko, S., Lokshin, M. M., & Torre, I. (2024). Europe and Central Asia Economic Update, Fall 2024: Better Education for Stronger Growth. https://doi.org/10.1596/41997 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1596/41997

Järv, P. (2019). Estonia’s digital revolution: A leader in IT and outsourcing services. Journal of Digital Innovation, 25(4), 182-194.

Kalina, I., Khurdei, V., Shevchuk, V., Vlasiuk, T., & Leonidov, I. (2022). Introduction of a Corporate Security Risk Management System: The Experience of Poland. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 15(8), 335. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm15080335 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm15080335

Kallaste, E., & Lehtsalu, L. (2022). E-Residency as a driver for entrepreneurship: A case study from Estonia. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 26(2), 107-122.

Kase, A., & Tinn, K. (2022). Estonia as a tech hub: From digital innovation to global startup ecosystem. Journal of Technology Transfer, 47(7), 1075-1090.

Kovalov, B., Ponomarenko, I., Borukha, A., & Tarasov, V. (2023). Disruptive technologies for ensuring economic and resource security of Ukraine. Economy and Society, 57. https://doi.org/10.32782/2524-0072/2023-57-32 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32782/2524-0072/2023-57-32

Kyzym, M. O. (2006). Modeling sustainable regional development. Publishing and design department of Information Technology Centre.

Larsen, O., & Høyer, K. (2022). Hydrogen economy in Norway: Pathways towards a sustainable future. Journal of Sustainable Energy Technology, 13(2), 102-115.

Martin, R., & Sunley, P. (2003). Deconstructing clusters: Chaotic concept or policy panacea? Journal of Economic Geography, 3(1), 5-35. https://doi.org/10.1093/jeg/3.1.5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jeg/3.1.5

Mashkina, A. (2023). Modern doctrines of socio-economic development of enterprises in the conditions of the knowledge economy. Economy and Society, 58. https://doi.org/10.32782/2524-0072/2023-58-72 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32782/2524-0072/2023-58-72

Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (2024, November 4). Ukraine and Germany signed an agreement on cooperation in science, technology, innovation and higher education. Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. https://acortar.link/IPw2vu

Mokhniuk, R. S. (2022). Inclusion as one of the directions of the civil society development strategy: a factor of culture creation. Issues of Cultural Studies, 39, 182-193. https://doi.org/10.31866/2410-1311.39.2022.256926 DOI: https://doi.org/10.31866/2410-1311.39.2022.256926

Mokiy, A. I., Yankiv, M. D., Yakhno, T. P., & Gorin, N. V. (2004). Regulation of the world economy. Lviv Polytechnic National University.

Moroz, Y., Romanchuk, L., & Abramova, I. (2024). Peculiarities of financing the development of rural communities and territories at the expense of the EU's joint budget. Economic Journal-XXI, 2-3(3), 9-18. https://eztuir.ztu.edu.ua/jspui/bitstream/123456789/8625/1/9.pdf DOI: https://doi.org/10.26642/sas-2024-2-3(3)-9-18

National Bank of Ukraine (2022). Economic and Financial Review. https://bank.gov.ua/en/news/all

National Defense University of Ukraine (2020). UN Sustainable Development Goals: Sweden's results. Bulletin of the National Defense University of Ukraine, 1, 292–293. https://reposit.nupp.edu.ua/bitstream/PoltNTU/10163/3/Збірник_с._292-293.pdf

OECD (2021). Income distribution and poverty in Switzerland. https://www.oecd.org/economic-surveys

Oliinyk, O. S., Shestopalov, R. M., Zarosylo, V. O., Stankovic, M., & Golubitsky, S. (2022). Economic security through criminal policies: A comparative study of Western and European approaches. Revista Cientifica General Jose Maria Cordova, 20(38), 265-285. http://dx.doi.org/10.21830/19006586.899 DOI: https://doi.org/10.21830/19006586.899

Pedersen, T., & Holm, L. (2023). The role of green innovation in Norway’s energy transition: Key challenges and opportunities. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 160, 112265.

Peters, B., & Wouters, A. (2021). The Dutch green transition: Sustainability policies and renewable energy adoption. Environmental Economics Journal, 14(2), 105-118.

Romanuk, N. A., & Romanuk, R. Y. (2023). Institutional formats of European security: Experience and prospects of transformation. In M. M. Palinchak (Ed.), Regional studies: Scientific collection (pp. 155-161). Helvetika Publishing House. https://doi.org/10.32782/2663-6170/2023.33.23 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32782/2663-6170/2023.33.23

Rossi, P., & Tuomi, S. (2023). The role of digital democracy: E-voting in Estonia’s electoral system. Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 33(1), 98-112. https://doi.org/10.1093/jopart/muac015 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jopart/muac015

Savchyn, I. Z., & Perepeliukova, O. V. (2024). International experience in regulating the convergence of regional development. Business Inform, 5, 43–49. https://doi.org/10.32983/2222-4459-2024-5-43-49 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32983/2222-4459-2024-5-43-49

Scandurra, R., Cefalo, R., & Kazepov, Y. (2021). Factors of youth integration into the labor market in European regions. Social Indicators Research, 154, 835-856. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-020-02549-8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-020-02549-8

Shevchenko, O. V. (2021). Strategic Regulation of Disproportions in the Socio-Economic Development of Ukrainian Regions (Doctoral Thesis, National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”). https://acortar.link/BWfVPN

Shtan, M. (2023). Іnstitutional determinants of the state economic policy. Economy and Society, 57. https://doi.org/10.32782/2524-0072/2023-57-90 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32782/2524-0072/2023-57-90

State Statistics Service of Ukraine (2022). Labour Market and Employment Statistics. https://ukrstat.gov.ua

Tkachuk, A. N. (2023). Modifications of employment structure: Global trends and national features. Business Inform, 12, 223-230.

https://doi.org/10.32983/2222-4459-2023-12-223-230 DOI: https://doi.org/10.32983/2222-4459-2023-12-223-230

UNESCO (2021). Education in Ukraine: Progress and Challenges. https://www.unesco.org/en/education

Ushchapovskyi, Y. V. (2023). Methodological potential of institutional research in modern economic science. Economics, management and administration, 2(104), 26-31. https://doi.org/10.26642/ema-2023-2(104)-26-31 DOI: https://doi.org/10.26642/ema-2023-2(104)-26-31

Varnalii, Z., Kulyk, P., Nikytenko, D., Cheberyako, O., & Hurochkina, V. (2023). Circular economy implementation as a strengthening factor in the economic security of Ukraine during the post-war period. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 1126(1), 012006. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1126/1/012006 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1126/1/012006

Vickerman, R. (2013). The economics of European integration. Routledge.

World Bank (2022). Ukraine Overview. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/ukraine

World Bank (n.d.). Sweden. The World Bank. https://data.worldbank.org/country/sweden

World Health Organization (2021). Ukraine Health System Review. https://www.who.int/countries/ukr

Yang, Y. (2015). Comparative study on STEM education of primary and secondary schools in America, Germany and Japan. Primary & Secondary Schooling Abroad. https://acortar.link/j3bfUB

Yeriemieiev, O. (2024). Tendencies of Contemporary European National Communities’ Development in Context of Fourth Industrial Revolution and Globalization Processes. Empirio, 1(1), 11-21. https://doi.org/10.18523/3041-1718.2024.1.11-21 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18523/3041-1718.2024.1.11-21

Yermachenko, V., Bondarenko, D., Akimova, L., Karpa, M., Akimov, O., & Kalashnyk, N. (2023). Theory and practice of public management of smart infrastructure in the conditions of the digital society' development: Socio-economic aspects. Economic Affairs (New Delhi), 68(1), 617-633. https://doi.org/10.46852/0424-2513.1.2023.29 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46852/0424-2513.1.2023.29

Zhao, Y., & Xu, X. (2022). The Development of Renewable Energy in China: Opportunities and Challenges. Energies, 15(15), 5422. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155422 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en15155422