Correlation of public and private interest in sectoral policies (using the example of the meat sector of the food complex of Ukraine)

Abstract

The article addresses the complex interplay between public and private interests in sectoral policy, with a specific focus on the meat sector of Ukraine’s agri-food complex. Against the backdrop of increasing involvement of non-state actors in governance processes and the ongoing transformation of public administration, the study explores the risks and consequences of blurred boundaries between state responsibilities and private initiatives. It emphasizes that when public and private domains are not clearly delineated, it may lead to inefficiencies in policy implementation, a lack of accountability, regulatory capture, and threats to public health and environmental sustainability. The authors systematically classify and contrast public and private interests across all stages of the meat value chain: production, processing, storage, distribution, sale, and consumption. Public interests are identified as food safety, environmental protection, animal welfare, public health, and the promotion of fair competition and national food security. Conversely, private interests are focused on profit maximization, cost reduction, market expansion, and risk minimization. Through an interdisciplinary analysis incorporating governance theory, legal interpretations, and regulatory impact assessment methodology, the article demonstrates that the meat sector meets all criteria to be recognized as an object of public governance. It argues that sectoral regulation must go beyond market coordination and should involve institutional mechanisms that ensure a balance between commercial goals and collective societal needs. The authors highlight the importance of regulatory tools such as public-private partnerships, transparent subsidy mechanisms, safety standards enforcement, and the prevention of monopolization and corruption. Moreover, the article identifies a pressing need to refine Ukraine’s regulatory framework by clearly defining the scope of state intervention and accountability, especially in strategically sensitive areas like food production. The study suggests that without transparent rules and an effective division of roles between public authorities, business, and civil society, there is a high risk of private interests dominating public policy, leading to social and ecological harm. The article contributes to the academic discussion on collaborative governance and the institutionalization of public interest in sectoral policy. It provides a valuable basis for future research focused on designing effective models of public-private interaction, adapting international best practices in food safety regulation, and evaluating the institutional capacity of public bodies responsible for managing the meat industry under conditions of war and economic instability.