Human Geography Journal

Innovative ecosystems and smart specialization in the European experience of spatial development of Ukraine

2026-03-11T05:33:22+00:00

The article presents a comprehensive study of the theoretical and methodological foundations for integrating Innovation Ecosystems (IES) and Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) as pivotal instruments of spatial development and post-war recovery in Ukraine. It traces the evolution of the European innovation policy from regional innovation systems to network-based ecosystems structured through Triple, Quadruple and Six-Helix models of cooperation. Drawing on case studies from Catalonia, Lombardy, Southern Denmark, Estonia and Lithuania, the paper identifies the core conditions for effective S3 implementation: multi-level governance, the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process (EDP), and the place-based approach that anchors innovation in local assets and networks. The research highlights Ukraine’s structural constraints – institutional fragmentation, insufficient data infrastructure, weak trust among key stakeholders, and growing security vulnerabilities resulting from hybrid warfare and cyber threats. A conceptual framework of Place-Based Innovation Hubs (PBIH) is proposed, merging S3 and IES principles into a cyclical process of regional transformation comprising asset auditing, integration, pilot testing, and digital monitoring.

The model identifies IT hubs (Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv), green-energy hubs (Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia), and logistics-tourism hubs (Odesa, the Carpathians, frontline regions) as potential anchors of innovation-driven growth. Quantitative projections suggest that this framework could increase non-capital regional GDP by 10–15%, raise R&D spending above 1% of GDP, and integrate Ukrainian actors into Horizon Europe and EIT networks.

The study contributes to the theoretical advancement of spatially embedded innovation policies and provides actionable recommendations for state institutions, local governments, and academic-industrial partnerships aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s resilience and European integration through innovation.

Current trends and prospects of tourism development in Germany

2026-03-11T05:33:24+00:00

Modern Germany is one of the leaders in the world and in Europe in terms of the scale and level of tourism development. The main reasons for this leadership in terms of the offer of tourist services include: the diversity of the natural environment, which contributes to the development of a wide range of recreational activities; unique in its wealth of historical and cultural resources; a developed network of various accommodation and catering establishments; the hospitality of the local population and a low level of crime; a dense network of transport and information and communication infrastructure; extensive experience in successfully organizing large-scale events, etc.

Analysis of the problematic information field showed insufficient attention to a holistic, comprehensive disclosure of the dynamics and structure of the travel and tourism sector in Germany under the influence of external and internal development factors. The purpose of the study: to determine the features of the dynamics of development and structure of tourism in Germany in industry, functional and territorial aspects, to outline priorities for the future, to determine the role of German experience in the restoration and modernization of tourism in Ukraine. The most important external factor for the development of tourism in Germany in the period 2017-2024 was the COVID-19 pandemic. The long-term upward trend of the tourism industry under the influence of the pandemic changed in 2020 to a deep crisis. The number of overnight stays in tourist accommodation establishments in Germany in 2020 compared to 2019 decreased by 39%, residents' spending on travel abroad decreased by 59.2%, and Germany's income from foreign travelers decreased by 52%. Only thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the state and the private tourism business, this crisis was largely overcome in 2024.

A hypothetical judgment is put forward that the direct impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on tourist flows and spending in Germany is the growth of demand for recreational and tourist services within the country due to refugees from Ukraine. The author sees the main lever of influence on reducing the deficit of the balance of payments in Germany under the article "Travel" as the growth of inbound tourism. The current structural proportions between: 1) different types of tourism (domestic, inbound and outbound); 2) leading tourism industries (transport; accommodation; food and beverage; car rental and goods for sports and recreation; travel agencies, tour operators and other booking services); 3) tourist trips for various purposes (private or business); 4) tourism development in different regions and cities of the country. A trend towards strengthening the competitive positions of the 5 eastern states in the national market of tourist services has been identified. The share of the 5 new states in the total number of overnight stays in tourist accommodation establishments in Germany has been growing over the past 25 years: 2000 – 10.9%, 2010 – 16.8%, 2020 – 16.6%, 2024 – 17.2%. An important role in the process of structural analysis was played by the methods of hierarchical decomposition and rating assessment (ranking) of NUTS-1 and NUTS-2 regions.

Using the rating assessment (ranking), the level of tourism development of the federal states of Germany was determined. The leaders of the rating are Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. Reliance on the method of hierarchical decomposition in relation to the spatial development of tourism in Germany involves a detailed analysis, a kind of “game of scale”, which is demonstrated by the example of Bavaria. A comparison of the ranked series of the states for 2019, 2020 and 2024 showed that the pandemic did not significantly affect the picture of the spatial development of tourism in Germany. This is likely due to the leading role of domestic tourism in the national arena compared to inbound tourism. The priorities of the German travel and tourism sector for the future have been and remain sustainable and inclusive development, technological innovation and digitalization, modernization of transport infrastructure and increasing competitiveness in the global market. The feasibility of using Germany's experience to restore and modernize tourism activities in Ukraine is emphasized.

Human-geographical features of the agricultural research in the aspect of the EU nature restoration regulation

2026-03-11T05:33:28+00:00

The article provides a theoretical and methodological generalization of the human-geographical features of the study of agriculture as a complex, multi-level social and geographical system. The importance of this study comes from the growing role of agriculture in providing food security, helping the economic development of areas, restoring the natural environment and agricultural ecosystems, and the need to fully comprehend how agriculture is changing due to globalization, climate change, and uneven development across regions, as required by human geography.

The aim of the article is to theoretically substantiate and generalize the human-geographical features of agricultural research in relation to the EU Nature Restoration Regulation; to determine its structure and functioning as an open multi-level social and geographical system; and to identify methodological approaches and methods for conducting human-geographical research in agriculture.

The article discusses the primary theories regarding the development and location of agriculture, as well as the key provisions of the EU Regulation on nature restoration. The authors interpret agriculture as a key element of the interaction of social, natural, and economic subsystems that function in the unity of geographical space and time. They analyzed the structure of agriculture with the separation of crop production and livestock production; the functions of agriculture are highlighted: food, raw material, economic, social, environmental, territorial, mentality-forming, cultural, informative, and restorative ones.

The researchers reveal the main methodological approaches in the study of agriculture, namely geographical, systemic, synergistic, informational and historical ones, and justify the need for their comprehensive application for the constant analysis of the agricultural organization in different regions and countries, identifying its specific features and patterns of development. Philosophical, general scientific, and specific scientific methods of the human-geographical research of agriculture are characterized. The obtained results characterize the theoretical and methodological basis for human-geographical research of agriculture at various hierarchical levels, in the development of territorial development strategies, restoration of agricultural ecosystems, and management of agricultural development.

Integration of forced Ukrainian migrants under conditions of full-scale war: a comparative analysis of EU and Ukrainian practices

2026-03-11T05:33:30+00:00

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the integration processes of Ukrainian migrants in the countries of the European Union and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine under the conditions of a full-scale war, which has caused unprecedented demographic displacement. Based on statistical data from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the main directions of external and internal migration of the Ukrainian population are examined, and the key countries and regions of migrant concentration are identified. The study systematizes the main components of integration policy, including status-based, civic and legal, educational, linguistic, economic, professional, social, and cultural-religious integration, and analyzes their interrelationships in shaping the conditions for long-term adaptation of displaced persons. Particular attention is paid to the role of educational and linguistic integration as fundamental prerequisites for social inclusion, access to the labor market, realization of professional potential, and intergenerational reproduction of human capital.

Using the examples of Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Italy, the article demonstrates that structured integration programs, mandatory language courses, adaptation classes for children, mechanisms for recognition of qualifications, and employment support significantly reduce the risks of social isolation of Ukrainian refugees and increase their level of economic self-sufficiency. A separate section of the study focuses on the integration of internally displaced persons in Ukraine, taking into account regional disparities, security constraints, and the resource capacities of host communities, as well as the role of state, municipal, and international institutions in ensuring legal status, social protection, housing solutions, access to the labor market, and psychological support for IDPs.

Based on the comparative analysis, the strengths and weaknesses of integration approaches in the EU countries and Ukraine are identified, and the feasibility of forming a balanced integration model is substantiated. Such a model combines the institutionalized and structured European approach with the flexibility and adaptability of the Ukrainian experience in the context of war and post-war recovery.

Features of forced migration flows of ukrainians under temporary protection in the European Union: the case of Romania

2026-03-11T05:33:32+00:00

The article examines the specific features of the formation and development of forced migration flows of Ukrainian citizens under temporary protection in the countries of the European Union, using Romania as a case study. The regulatory and legal foundations of the temporary protection mechanism are analysed, and a comparative assessment with the institution of asylum is conducted, which makes it possible to identify differences in legal status and social consequences for displaced persons. Based on statistical data, the dynamics of the number of Ukrainian nationals who have benefited from this mechanism, as well as their age and gender structure, are examined. It is revealed that in the first years of the full-scale war women and children predominated, whereas in 2023–2024 the share of working-age persons increased, indicating a transformation of migration from predominantly humanitarian to socio-economic. It is substantiated that these shifts have significant demographic implications for Ukraine: the outflow of women of reproductive age and children leads to declining birth rates and intensifies the risks of demographic decline, while the emigration of the working-age population complicates the prospects for restoring labour potential.

The specific features of the Romanian response model are outlined, which combines emergency humanitarian assistance with measures aimed at social integration and facilitating access to the labour market. It is demonstrated that temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens in EU countries functions not only as an instrument of rapid response to a humanitarian crisis but also as a factor of deeper socio-economic and demographic transformations. Particular attention is paid to the territorial patterns of settlement of Ukrainians across different regions of Romania. Further research is expected to focus on a comparative analysis of the experience of other EU Member States in order to develop generalised conclusions and practical recommendations for the migration policies of Ukraine and the European Union.

Online tourist image on Instagram. Study case: Obcina Mare, Suceava

2026-03-11T05:33:34+00:00

During the past decades tourism has evolved, and along with it also the technology. So, it makes only sense to be studied together. The present study focuses on the online Instagram image of Obcina Mare, an area located in northern Romania, known for its UNESCO monasteries and long-living traditions, also popular as a tourist destination. As the area was not studied before under the lens of Instagram, the present study does that, with an emphasis on gender representation.

A thorough literature review on the subject of Instagram tourism was made, revealing the scattered research that is present so far as regards spatial coverage of the study area and several other in terms of areas studied, as well as the effect of Instagram in tourism being intense and profound. The methodology included manually retrieving 564 Instagram posts with hashtags associated with Obcina Mare and its compound localities, including the geotag, images, post description, hashtags used and engagement metrics for each of them. The results show tourists that come mostly from Romania, but also from other countries worldwide, three main concentration areas along the area, a focus on monasteries when it comes to the text posted, yet more general when it comes to the images along, as well as a less gendered content. Practical implications include, but are not limited to the stakeholders taking advantage on these results for a better view of the tourism in Obcina Mare, along with targeted promotion and marketing campaigns taking into account social media as well. Future studies should imply expanding the scale of analysis and with automated methods for an easier analysis of more posts.

The Lower Prut Floodplain – a geographical space of convergence and cross-border tourism cooperation

2026-03-11T05:33:37+00:00

This study explores the essential role of cultural values in the conservation and sustainable development of the Lower Prut Floodplain Natural Park (PNLJPI). Through the analysis of tangible heritage elements—such as vernacular architecture—and intangible aspects including local traditions, customs, and traditional fishing practices, the research illustrates how cultural components shape and reinforce the park’s distinctive identity.

Employing documentary analysis, field observations, and surveys conducted among residents from neighboring Romanian and Moldovan communities, the study emphasizes the need to integrate cultural dimensions into the management of protected natural areas. The findings indicate that overlooking cultural heritage can lead to the erosion of community values and the weakening of local identity. Therefore, the paper advocates for an integrated management framework that fosters active community participation, the valorization of cultural resources, and the development of sustainable tourism. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that the inclusion of cultural values not only strengthens environmental protection but also promotes social cohesion and regional cooperation, providing a holistic model for natural park governance in cross-border contexts.

Age-specific mortality in Ukraine: an analytical examination of demographic development indicators

2026-03-11T05:33:38+00:00

Mortality as a key component of the natural population dynamics, serves not only as an indicator of a nation's health status, but also s a reflection of deeper socio-economic, environmental and political processes in society. Particular attention is required by the analysis of changes in the pattern of mortality caused by long-term crisis phenomena, among them ‒ deterioration of living conditions, mass migration, war and consequent destruction of health infrastructure.

The purpose of our scientific search is to estimate the age-specific mortality rate of population as a marker of structural features of mortality in Ukraine and its interpretation in the context of demographic development.

In the course of the study, a quantitative–temporal analysis of age-specific mortality rates was employed. To interpret inter-age and gender variations in mortality rates, mathematical research methods were applied, while the spatial aspects of the distribution of age-specific mortality rates were examined using ranking techniques and cluster analysis.

The age-specific mortality curves for both genders exhibit the classical J-shaped pattern, characterized by high mortality among infants, followed by a rapid decline that reaches its minimum in early childhood (around age five) and adolescence. Beginning from the 35+ age group, the curve rises exponentially, meaning that each subsequent age cohort faces a substantially higher risk of death than the preceding one—an increase described by the Gompertz law. During the studied period, we observe a decrease in the mortality rate in all age groups (after 2005), especially in childhood and adolescence, which indicates positive changes in access to medical services and the available medical infrastructure as a whole. The highest risks were recorded in persons of the 85+ age category. A sharp jump in mortality among the elderly is observed in 2020‒2021, which is obviously a consequence of the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic. An analysis of age-related mortality rates by gender revealed a significant excess of male mortality, especially at the age of 20‒60. The highest mortality rates were recorded in Kyiv, Zakarpattia, Kharkiv, Kherson and Chernivtsi regions, Kyiv.

In general, the obtained data confirm that the mortality curve has a complex structure caused by a combination of biological, social and behavioral factors, and gender differences appear unevenly throughout the life cycle, reaching the greatest expressiveness in middle age and decreasing in the oldest groups.

The attitude of the Transcarpathian population toward religion and the perception of religious tourism

2026-03-11T05:33:41+00:00

The article examines the religiosity of the Transcarpathian population and its attitudes toward religious tourism as a promising direction for regional tourism development. The historical multi-confessional and multi-ethnic character of Transcarpathia has shaped a rich sacral landscape, including unique Rusyn wooden churches, medieval temples, and pilgrimage sites, which together form a substantial basis for religious tourism. The empirical foundation of the study is a questionnaire survey conducted among 515 residents, allowing the authors to assess levels of religiosity, participation in religious trips, awareness of sacral heritage, and readiness to engage in organized religious tours.

The findings show that over 96% of respondents consider themselves religious, with more than half regularly attending church services and participating in pilgrimages. However, public awareness of key sacral attractions remains low. The study identifies infrastructural limitations and insufficient promotion of religious tourism resources as the main barriers to further development. At the same time, the strong local interest in religious travel, combined with the unique cultural heritage and the growing global demand for non-mass, authentic tourist experiences, indicates significant prospects for the post-war development of religious tourism in the region.

Geospatial organization of regional landscape parks of Poltava region as objects of recreational and tourist activities

2026-03-11T05:33:43+00:00

Regional landscape parks (RLP) as multifunctional objects of the nature reserve fund combine the functions of nature protection, environmental education and recreation, are key objects of recreational and tourist activities.

The purpose of the study is the scientific justification and analysis of the geospatial organization of regional landscape parks of the Poltava region from the standpoint of their use as objects of recreational and tourist activities. Five regional landscape parks have been established in the territory of the Poltava region, which, according to physical parameters and scales of activity, can be divided into: 1) macro-RLPs, focused on the preservation of large river-valley systems -Nyzhnevorsklaynskyi, Hadyatskyi and Dykanskyi; 2) meso-RLPs - Kremenchuksky Plavni; 3) micro-RLPs, to which RLP Kagamlytskyi belongs. The functional zoning of the Kagamlytskyi and Nyzhnyovorsklyanskyi RLPs is closest to scientifically based recommendations. The least proportional distribution of functional zones is in the Hadyatskyi RLP, which has the smallest relative area of the protected zone (3%) and the largest economic area (92.6%). The Kremenchuksky Plavni RLP has the largest area of the protected zone (64.4%): it is dominated by the nature conservation function with the corresponding development of educational and scientific tourism. For the Dykanskyi and Hadyatskyi RLPs, in which the share of the economic zone is disproportionately high, it is advisable to specialize in rural (agro-) and cultural and educational tourism. A unique specialization of recreational and tourist activities for the Nyzhnyovorsklyanskyi and Kremenchuksky Plavni recreational and tourist activities may be ornithological and water tourism after the lifting of martial law restrictions. The common leading type of recreational and tourist activities for all RLPs of the Poltava region is ecotourism and active types of tourism - hiking and cycling.

Investment attractiveness of the Odesa region in the context of economic recovery of the Southern region of Ukraine

2026-03-11T05:33:46+00:00

The article presents a comprehensive socio-geographical analysis of the factors shaping the investment attractiveness of the Odesa region within the system of post-war recovery of Ukraine’s Southern macro-region. Based on official statistical data and regional development programs, it examines the dynamics of capital investments during 2021–2024, highlighting a marked decline in 2022 followed by gradual recovery, which reflects the adaptation of the regional economy to changing security and logistical conditions. The sectoral and territorial structure of the investment space is revealed, with leading positions occupied by the transport and logistics complex, construction, agro-industrial production, and processing industries, along with a growing role of municipal infrastructure and recreational projects. The study demonstrates the determining influence of the region’s transport-geographical position, the functioning of the seaports of Odesa, Chornomorsk, and Pivdennyi, the revitalization of the Danube ports of Izmail and Reni, cross-border communications with EU countries, and the internal urban dynamics of the Odesa agglomeration on the formation of the regional investment profile.

Spatial patterns of investment polarization are identified, with capital concentrated in the coastal urbanized core and relatively low investment activity in the northern and southwestern peripheries. This configuration forms a monocentric development model showing signs of transition toward a polycentric structure driven by the growth of the southern investment district. The study identifies geo-economic centers of growth, determines barriers to capital attraction in peripheral territories, and proposes directions for spatial optimization of regional investment policy - including the development of multimodal corridors and dry ports, strengthening of public-private partnerships in rebuilding critical infrastructure, and establishment of local investment monitoring systems. The results specify the geographical determinants of Odesa region’s investment attractiveness and outline key priorities for balanced economic recovery.

Regional specificity of the development of the building materials industry in Odesa region

2026-03-11T05:33:47+00:00

The article presents a comprehensive socio-geographical study of the current state, spatial patterns, and trends in the development of the building materials industry within Odesa region during the period 2021–2024. The study assesses the dynamics of construction works and the construction production index, demonstrating the transition from the deep crisis of 2022 to the phase of recovery stabilization in 2023-2024. The industrial structure is analyzed, showing dominance of cement-concrete, gypsum, glass, and ceramic production. Spatial analysis reveals the concentration of production facilities in coastal and transport-accessible areas, where the main building material enterprises are located. At the same time, peripheral communities of the region remain less industrially specialized, though they possess development potential due to deposits of clay, limestone, and sand. The study proves that the formation of the industry is determined by key geographical factors, primarily transport and geographical position, coastal location, cross-border connections with EU countries, and the availability of local raw materials. These factors shape a regional production system with elements of clustering and contribute to reducing import dependency.

The article also highlights unresolved issues, such as territorial asymmetry of development, insufficient technological modernization, uneven investment distribution, and the lack of effective regional policy support for the industry. The practical significance of the study lies in its potential application for optimizing the spatial structure of industry, planning new production facilities, and developing regional programs for sustainable post-war recovery of the construction sector. The general conclusions emphasize that the building materials industry of Odesa region is not only a strategic element of the regional economy but also an important factor in the spatial stabilization of the Southern macroregion of Ukraine. Its further development depends on the integration of spatial planning, investment support, and ecological modernization of production.

Specificities of potential and trends of economic development of Krasnokutsk territorial community: a human-geographical vision

2026-03-11T05:33:54+00:00

In the context of full-scale war and the ongoing decentralization reform, Ukraine’s territorial communities have faced unprecedented challenges that require a rethinking of the mechanisms for utilizing their internal potential. For the communities of the Kharkiv region, particularly the Krasnokutsk settlement territorial community, the issue of economic resilience is of particular importance due to the proximity to the combat zone, the transformation of budget flows, and the need to adapt the local economy to crisis conditions. Socio-geographical analysis allows for a comprehensive assessment of the resource base and dynamic changes in the community's life, which is essential for developing effective recovery strategies.

The purpose of the article is to identify the specificities of the potential and establish the trends of economic development of the Krasnokutsk territorial community, and to substantiate promising directions for strengthening economic resilience in modern conditions. A complex of methods was used: systemic-structural analysis to study the components of the potential; statistical and comparative methods to assess the dynamics of the community's financial indicators; and SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the community's development.

It was established that the potential of the Krasnokutsk settlement territorial community is based on a unique combination of the agro-industrial sector (hydrocarbon extraction, agriculture) and the high recreational value of the territories (nature reserve fund sites). A trend towards a decrease in the community's financial autonomy in 2024 was revealed due to legislative changes and military risks, which necessitates the diversification of the economy. It is proven that despite demographic losses and migration challenges, the community demonstrates a high level of adaptability. Priority development vectors were identified: the transition from a raw material model of the agricultural sector to a processing one, the capitalization of the nature reserve fund through the development of ecotourism, and the implementation of energy-efficient technologies in the municipal sphere.

Tactical urbanism in wartime (case studies: Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv)

2026-03-11T05:33:58+00:00

The full-scale war in Ukraine has caused radical transformations in urban systems. It has called into question the effectiveness of traditional models of strategic and spatial planning. This has highlighted the need for adaptive, rapid, and low-resource forms of response to crisis-related challenges. Under these conditions, tactical urbanism is transformed from a tool for local aesthetic and demonstrative interventions into an important mechanism of crisis management, ensuring security, supporting social infrastructure, and building urban resilience. At the same time, scientific discourse lacks a holistic conceptualization of tactical urbanism as a tool for urban functioning in wartime, which constitutes the scientific problem addressed in this study.

The aim of the article is to provide a scientific substantiation of the transformation of tactical urbanism in wartime into a tool for crisis adaptation and urban resilience, using Ukrainian cities as case studies. The methodological basis of the study includes qualitative case analysis, a comparative approach, and structural-functional analysis. The empirical basis consists of the cases of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv – cities with different socio-spatial models, levels of institutional resilience, and types of civic mobilization.

The study revealed a fundamental change in the functional logic of tactical urbanism – from the pre-war critical-demonstrative and aesthetic paradigm to a military, productive, security, and socio-infrastructural paradigm. In wartime conditions, tactical urbanism acquires the features of a survival tool for urban systems. This is manifested in the creation of shelters, safe hubs, volunteer spaces, temporary community support centres, and crisis infrastructure. A comparative analysis of the cases of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Lviv allowed the identification of a typology of wartime models of tactical urbanism and their role in shaping the social, institutional, and spatial resilience of cities.

The scientific novelty of the research lies in the conceptualization of tactical urbanism as an element of the urban resilience system under war conditions, the development of a typology of its wartime transformations, and the formation of a generalized model of wartime tactical urbanism as a tool for crisis management in urban space. The practical significance of the results lies in their potential application in post-war recovery processes, the formation of urban security policies, integrated spatial planning, and the development of reconstruction strategies for Ukrainian cities, taking into account the principles of adaptability, rapid implementation, and civil society participation.