Public Management of Intellectual Resources for National Security: What are the Prospects for the Idea of Regional Hubs of Expert Resources?

Abstract

The article explores the prospects for the development of regional hubs of expert resources in Ukraine as an innovative model for organizing public management of intellectual support for national security in the face of hybrid threats and geopolitical turbulence. The authors conduct a comparative analysis of global trends and models of decentralization of expert resources in the security sphere, highlighting key determinants and variability of approaches in different countries and regions of the world. Particular attention is paid to the experience of leading international security alliances and think tanks, such as NATO, AUKUS, and RAND Corporation, which develop adaptive networked ecosystems of expertise capable of rapidly mobilizing intelligence to respond to the complex challenges of our time. The authors investigate the principles and mechanisms of horizontal interaction in the formation of interregional expert communities, emphasizing the importance of shared values, trust, inclusiveness, and technological base. Based on the analysis of the role and models of functioning of local competence centers in different countries, the authors outline the potential and challenges of building a network of regional security hubs in Ukraine. In particular, the need to overcome structural constraints and anachronistic approaches to the organization of analytical work, ensure adequate resources and technological support, develop horizontal links and a culture of collaboration between the public, private, and civil society sectors is emphasized. The authors propose promising mechanisms for the expert community to influence security policy in the context of Russian aggression, including intensifying expert diplomacy, creating "coalitions of support" within the country, developing joint projects with partners from Central and Eastern European countries, and actively using public diplomacy and strategic communication tools. The conclusions emphasize that building an influential network of regional security hubs is a strategic task for Ukraine, which requires systematic investments in the development of analytical capabilities, cross-sectoral cooperation, and communication with society. The article has an interdisciplinary character at the intersection of national security, public administration, and network analysis, and will be of interest to scholars, experts, and practitioners dealing with the transformation of the security expertise system in the context of global challenges.