Theory and Practice of Public Administration

The impact of social innovations and civic activity on demographic reproduction in the process of post-war reconstruction of Ukraine

Olena Postupna — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article substantiates the need for a radical transformation of the paradigm of public management of demographic processes in the conditions of post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. It is proven that full-scale military aggression caused the systemic destruction of human capital, which is characterized by the formation of “demographic scissors” due to the mass forced departure of women of reproductive age, anomalous increase in mortality and deformation of the sex-age structure of the population. The direct dependence between the parameters of human resource preservation and the potential for macroeconomic revival of the state is verified. It is substantiated that the deficit of anthropological potential is a more complex barrier to regeneration than the destruction of physical infrastructure, which determines the urgent need to transition from a hierarchical-administrative management model to a partnership governance model.
The study conceptualizes the role of social innovations as flexible adaptive mechanisms for stabilizing the social system in conditions of high uncertainty. Particular attention is paid to territorial communities, which in the process of recovery are transformed into independent centers of resilience, capable of accumulating social capital and creating a favorable environment for the return of citizens. Institutional disorders and managerial contradictions arising from the conflict between the rigidity of state regulations and the high mobility of public initiatives are diagnosed.
A facilitative model of public administration is constructed, based on a combination of strategic resources of the state and the innovative energy of society. The proposed structure is implemented through the central node of transformation, where state support ensures the large-scale implementation of local initiatives. It is proven that the use of public digital technologies and network systems allows changing the role of a citizen from a passive recipient of assistance to an active creator of social change. It is established that it is this approach that ensures the transition to sustainable development, where the ability of the demographic system to self-reproduce becomes a natural consequence of the high quality of life and social confidence of territories.

Conceptual approaches to researching mutual influence mechanisms of govenrnment and parliament opposition

Viktoriia Sychova, Larysa Khyzhniak — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article substantiates conceptual approaches to researching the mechanisms of mutual influence of the government and the parliamentary opposition to ensure the stabilization of the political regime and increase the efficiency of public administration. The application of the structural-functional approach allowed to reveal the essence and explain the non-identity of the concepts of “interaction” and “mutual influence” as different communicative processes. Based on the above approach, it was determined that the parliamentary opposition and the government apply institutional, informational-psychological, economic, and communicative mechanisms of mutual influence to each other; and their components – tools and methods – were also characterized. A systemic approach was used to clarify the conditions for the application of mutual influence mechanisms of the government and the parliamentary opposition in non-democratic and democratic political systems, as well as the interdependence of their methods of influence.
It has been found that under conditions of an undemocratic political regime, the parliamentary opposition is forced to apply radical methods of the institutional mechanism of influence, while the tools of the economic mechanism of influence have an indirect impact on the government. Such actions are counterproductive in response to the government’s illegal and forceful tools and methods of influence on the parliamentary opposition. Under such conditions, the informational, psychological and communicative mechanisms of mutual influence of the above-mentioned institutions of the political system are confrontational, which makes mutual influence unconstructive.
It is substantiated that under a democratic political regime, the institutional and economic mechanisms of government influence on the parliamentary opposition contribute to the latter’s using a wide range of tools and methods of direct influence on the government. Their interaction is cooperative, demonstrating a subject-subject nature. Under such conditions, the informational, psychological, and communicative mechanisms of mutual influence between the government and the parliamentary opposition are constructive in nature. A comparative analysis of the mechanisms of mutual influence of the government and the parliamentary opposition in European countries has shown that under democratic regimes, the mutual influence of these institutions of the political system is constructive, contributing to the stabilization of the political regime, the stability of democracy, and the increase in the efficiency of public administration.

Institutional transformation of bureaucratic systems in the context of Ukraine’s European integration

Anatolii Rachynskyi — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines the institutional transformation of Ukrainian bureaucracy in the context of European integration, which is considered a key prerequisite for increasing the efficiency of public administration, transparency of procedures and citizens’ trust in government. The main attention is focused on the process of transition from the traditional model of bureaucracy, based on hierarchy and formalism, to post-bureaucratic, digitally oriented forms of public administration. Based on the analysis of European practices (Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands), modern trends in the development of administrative systems are identified – in particular, the implementation of the principles of digital-first governance, trust-based management, and responsive governance.
It is proved that the Europeanization of Ukrainian bureaucracy cannot be reduced only to the normative borrowing of EU models. It involves a deep cultural and value evolution of managerial thinking, the formation of a new ethics of service, a rethinking of the role of a civil servant as an agent of development, and not just an executor of procedures. The article emphasizes the contradictory nature of this process – between technological progress and institutional inertia, which causes the emergence of the phenomenon of “electronic bureaucracy with analog thinking”.
A conceptual model “SMART Bureaucracy – 2030” has been developed, which integrates four key areas of modernization: regulatory harmonization, institutional reengineering, digital openness and the formation of ethical responsibility in the public administration system. The proposed model is aimed at the formation of a new type of bureaucracy – analytical, professional, technologically efficient and morally mature, capable of ensuring the sustainability of managerial processes and supporting democratic standards of governance.
It is emphasized that the reform of the bureaucracy is not a one-time administrative campaign, but a long-term process of institutional maturation, in which the key criterion for success is not only efficiency, but also public legitimacy. European integration in this context acts as a double catalyst – an external factor of adaptation to EU standards and an internal impulse for rethinking the public service as a sphere of strategic trust-building.

Current state and challenges of the institutional framework for public administration of international economic cooperation in Ukraine

Eduard Marukhian — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines modern challenges and the transformation of the system of institutional support for the public administration of international economic cooperation development in Ukraine under the conditions of a «double transition» – functioning under the legal regime of martial law and fulfilling obligations regarding European integration. It is substantiated that the sphere of international economic cooperation at the current stage acquires not only commercial but also security significance, determining the possibilities for attracting resources for post-war recovery, preserving economic resilience, and integrating the national economy into global value chains.
The methodological basis of the study is the institutional approach, which allowed considering the public administration system as a dynamic set of formal rules and informal practices. The formal-legal method was applied to analyze the collisions between the outdated philosophy of the Law «On Foreign Economic Activity» and the imperatives of European integration, which enabled the identification of the phenomenon of «normative eclecticism». System analysis enabled the identification of dysfunctions in coordination between key stakeholders (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance), while the comparative method facilitated the juxtaposition of declared institutional functions (control) with the real needs of business (service, development) and global trends in capacity building.
Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the consequences of administrative reform, specifically the creation of merged ministries. Through the prism of public administration theory, it is proven that the mechanical centralization of heterogeneous functions (economy, trade, ecology) without proper policy delineation creates risks of institutional overload and conflict of interest (particularly in the context of the European Green Deal). Within the scope of the study, a diagnosis of institutional dualism in economic diplomacy and an assessment of the effectiveness of financial mechanisms for export support were carried out.
A critical mismatch of the Export Credit Agency’s toolkit with the scale of wartime challenges due to undercapitalization and overregulation has been established. It is determined that the dominance of fiscal logic over stimulating logic limits the possibilities for realizing the strategic goals of foreign economic policy. Conceptual principles for the transition from a controlling to a service-oriented model of public administration of international economic cooperation are proposed.
It is emphasized that the institutional architecture should be based on a clear delineation of Key Performance Indicators between agencies (political lobbying versus contract support), the introduction of a digital ecosystem «Single Window for Exporters», and the institutionalization of fast-track procedures for military-economic cooperation. Effective management of international economic cooperation must become an integral element of the comprehensive strategy for national security and economic revival.

Public management and administration in the conditions of circular economy development

Oleksandr Zhadan — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines the theoretical and methodological foundations of public management and administration in the context of the emergence of the circular economy as an innovative model of sustainable development. It substantiates that the circular economy is not merely an environmental or technological concept but a complex socio-ecological and economic paradigm integrating economic efficiency, environmental safety, and social responsibility. The study determines that implementing the principles of circularity requires transforming the public management system – shifting from linear and fragmented regulatory models to dynamic, integrated, and network-based structures focused on co-creation, openness, and strategic partnership.
The scientific approaches of Ukrainian and foreign researchers (R. Naboka, V. Kuzyom, K. Nestorov, A. Murray, P. Rosa, T. Dantas, among others) to identifying the prerequisites, driving forces, and barriers to the transition toward closed-loop economic systems are analyzed. The paper summarizes international experiences in implementing circular economy policies in China, Germany, and the Netherlands, reflecting three fundamental regulatory models: framework-based, sectoral, and recommendatory.
It is demonstrated that the effectiveness of state policy in this field depends on the synergy of legislative instruments, economic incentives, institutional coordination, and stakeholder engagement. For Ukraine, the development of a circular economy represents a strategic vector for implementing the European Green Deal – aimed at industrial modernization, enhancing energy efficiency, and integrating into the European sustainable development space.
The concept of “circular public governance” is proposed as a systemic form of collective intelligence grounded in the principles of interaction, synergy, and adaptability. Its key components are identified as: the establishment of unified standards and regulatory frameworks, the development of strategic partnerships in public procurement, and the introduction of adaptive and participatory community governance.
The results of this study can be used to improve public policy, develop a national circular economy strategy, and build an effective system of public administration focused on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Welfare of the individual and the society in the period of post-war recovery in Ukraine: the study of conflicts in the process of searching for a balance of interests

Svitlana Zavhorodnia — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines contradictions and defines the primary tasks of state authorities to achieve a mutually acceptable balance of interests of the individual, society and the state in promoting welfare in the post-war period of Ukraine’s development. Promoting welfare in Ukraine during the post-war recovery period involves: overcoming the large-scale consequences of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, efforts to bring the standard of living closer to European standards, responding to long-term security risks from the Russian Federation.
In order to establish contradictions in the process of finding a balance of interests, an interdisciplinary approach was used to take into account the main provisions of the science of public administration, economic theory, and the theory of national security. The purpose of the article determined the use of the bibliographic method and comparative analysis, comparative and statistical analysis, and the abstract-logical method.
Approaches to establishing contradictions in achieving a mutually acceptable balance of interests of man and society in the aspect of promoting welfare are systematized. Due to the unprecedented negative consequences of the invasion of the Russian Federation, the deepening of conflicts of interests that take place in: the complicity of stakeholders for the protection and realization of the human right to an adequate standard of living, the right to housing, the right to access to energy; manifestations of Russia’s influence on the intensification of social tension in society, pressure on state authorities through the tools of hybrid aggression, using the spread of the humanitarian crisis, the decrease in the welfare of Ukrainians; the growing spread of economic inequality, the reduction of the middle class, the growth of inequality in the distribution of income between the population, despite the decrease in economic inequality between Ukraine and individual EU countries. In order to achieve a mutually acceptable balance of the interests of man and society in the aspect of promoting well-being, the priority tasks of state authorities for responding to contradictions in the post-war period of Ukraine’s development have been defined.

Corruption risks and schemes in public procurement procedures within the modern digital environment

Mykola Kovalenko, Dmytro Karamyshev — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This article examines the transformation of corruption risks within the public procurement sector amidst the operation of Ukraine’s contemporary digital infrastructure. Particular emphasis is placed on a contradictory contemporary trend: notwithstanding the strategic drive toward absolute transparency and the deployment of advanced digital tools (Prozorro, DREAM, risk-oriented monitoring modules), corruption levels have not diminished but rather evolved into novel, latent forms. Corruption is emerging as a dynamic phenomenon that successfully adapts to digitalization by shifting the center of gravity from overt procedural violations to domains inaccessible to automated control, specifically targeting the stages of planning, direct contracting, and the physical execution of contracts.
The methodological framework of the study is constituted by a synthesis of systemic, institutional, and comparative approaches, which facilitated the examination of public procurement as a holistic system susceptible to destructive influences throughout various stages of its implementation. The informational and empirical basis of the research comprises Ukrainian regulatory legal acts, analytical reports from the National Agency on Corruption Prevention, case law from the High Anti-Corruption Court, and studies by Transparency International Ukraine covering the 2024–2025 period.
The article provides a detailed analysis of the domestic infrastructure of digital tools (Prozorro, BI Prozorro, DOZORRO, Clarity Project, YouControl, Spending, DREAM). It is argued that while the existing toolkit ensures a high degree of transparency for external monitoring, it does not constitute a sufficient condition for eliminating malpractices occurring outside the electronic system.
A key outcome of the work is the development of a systematized classification of corruption risks and their implementation schemes across the stages of the procurement cycle. Specifically, at the planning stage, schemes involving the manipulation of expected value and the artificial division of the procurement subject to evade open tenders were identified, while at the documentation preparation stage, mechanisms for tailoring technical requirements to a specific manufacturer and establishing discriminatory qualification criteria were revealed. In the context of martial law, particular attention is devoted to abuses related to direct contracting through the interpretation of “urgent need” and the involvement of shell companies. Simultaneously, at the contract execution stage, identified as the most critical, schemes involving unjustified price increases via supplementary agreements, the substitution of goods with lower-quality alternatives, and the signing of acceptance certificates for fictitious works were analyzed.
Based on the conducted analysis, the necessity of shifting the anti-corruption policy strategy is substantiated: transitioning from exclusively external oversight to the development of an effective internal control system. The implementation of the “Three Lines of Defense” model at the level of procuring entities is recommended, which envisages a clear delineation of functions between risk owners (operational level), control units (compliance), and internal audit. It is concluded that overcoming corruption requires not merely the automation of processes, but profound changes in societal values and the system of economic relations.

Analysis of the powers and forms of activity of public authorities in the field of state financial control of Ukraine

Liudmyla Naboka, Bohdan Tsovma — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines the ongoing transformations in the functional arrangements of public authorities engaged in state financial control in Ukraine under the influence of digital transformation. A number of systemic problems that reduce the quality of control activities have been identified, including the duplication of powers among control bodies, the absence of clear regulatory delineation of functions, weak interagency coordination, and insufficient implementation of the results of control measures.
The study identifies the main forms of financial control: inspection, financial audit, procurement verification, monitoring and outlines the methods used for their implementation. The functional characteristics of key state financial control institutions, such as the Accounting Chamber, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, the State Audit Service, the State Tax Service of Ukraine, and the State Treasury Service of Ukraine, as well as their territorial units are analysed with attention to their legal and administrative interaction.
The research substantiates the need to introduce an integrated digital control model that combines these forms on the basis of a unified information platform. It proposes ways to strengthen regulatory accountability for non-compliance with the recommendations of control bodies and mechanisms for enhancing transparency and accountability in the sphere of public financial management.
The results of the study have applied value for designing strategies to improve state financial control in the context of digitalisation, decentralisation, and the strengthening of the state’s economic security.

Institutional-cognitive reconfiguration of public administration in the context of digital transformation: mechanisms for catalyzing innovation and the data economy

Maksym Sikalo — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Digital transformation has become a defining vector of contemporary development, radically reshaping societal practices and economic processes. The rapid diffusion of digital technologies creates new opportunities to accelerate growth, enhance productivity and quality of life, and modernize public services. At the same time, it brings a range of challenges: widening digital inequality, heightened cybersecurity vulnerabilities, risks to privacy, shifts in the labor market, and more. Under these conditions, adapting systems of public administration to the digital era–above all in the domain of managing economic development–becomes especially important. In a digital economy, traditional governance models require rethinking and supplementation with breakthrough solutions and institutional innovations, enabling governments to implement economic policy more effectively, foster innovation, and ensure sustainable growth.
This article analyzes conceptual approaches (“breakthrough ideas”) to state management of economic development based on digitalization, examines new institutional forms and mechanisms introduced in the public sector to support the digital transformation of the economy, and considers practical case studies of their implementation. A review of recent scholarly publications and strategic documents that lay the groundwork for digital development is conducted. It is found that the active formation of a system of public administration for digital development in Ukraine requires a focused state policy and effective work of newly created institutions, in particular the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Examples are given of the implementation of digital projects (superservices and e-systems) in the public administration sphere that have demonstrated practical effects – from increased transparency and budget savings to an improved business climate. It is emphasized that the digital transformation of the public sector has become the basis for its modernization and can significantly stimulate the development of an open information society, democracy, productivity, and an innovation-driven economy. The practical significance of the study lies in identifying promising directions for improving state economic development policy in the digital age and generalizing the experience of implementing institutional innovations, which can be used in developing strategic documents and reforms in the field of public administration.

Features of state policy in the financial sphere in the conditions of development of the information society

Maksym Bilovskyi — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines the features of the formation and implementation of state policy in the financial sphere of Ukraine in the context of the development of the information society. It is noted that in the context of globalization and the rapid development of information and communication technologies, the formation of the information society is becoming one of the key factors in the socio-economic development of the state. It is substantiated that the current digitalization of financial relations, the introduction of financial technologies and the transformation of financial markets significantly change traditional approaches to the formation and implementation of state policy. The regulatory and legal support of state policy in the financial sphere is analyzed, the role of key public administration entities, in particular the National Bank of Ukraine, in ensuring financial stability, information security and the development of digital financial services is determined. Considerable attention is paid to the analysis of international experience in the formation and implementation of state policy in the financial sphere in the context of the information society and the possibilities of its implementation in Ukraine. The research methodology is based on systemic and comprehensive approaches, analysis of regulatory and legal acts, comparative analysis of international practices and synthesis of modern scientific research. The results of the study identify key problems and prospects for improving state policy in the financial sector of Ukraine, taking into account the challenges of digital transformation. The main results of the study indicate a gradual improvement of the existing regulatory environment, however, the need for more flexible theoretical and methodological approaches in the formation and implementation of state policy in the context of digitalization of the financial sector has been identified, which should be aimed at strengthening cybersecurity and protecting personal data. It is proven that in the context of Russian military aggression and the introduction of the legal regime of martial law in Ukraine, the institutional architecture of state policy in the financial sector has undergone a significant transformation, which has acquired the characteristics of a critically important element of national security, which has led to a strengthening of the role of the state in coordinating financial processes, concentrating resources and responding promptly to existing crisis challenges and risks. The conclusions of the article contain recommendations for the transformation of state policy in the context of Ukraine’s European integration, aimed at supporting the sustainable and safe functioning of the financial sector in the digital era. Prospects for further research are related to the development of integrated public policy models that would ensure a balance between innovation, control, and security in the financial sector.

Institutional and Legal Components of Public Administration of Healthcare Development in Ukraine

Oleksandr Radchenko , Oleksandr Меlnychenko, Natalia Klymenko — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article provides a systematic analysis of the institutional and legal components of public management of healthcare development in Ukraine through the prism of the interconnection between legal norms, the competences of entities (authorized public authorities) and means of public administrative influence that ensure the implementation of citizens’ constitutional right to healthcare. It is argued that the effectiveness of public administration is determined not so much by the number of normative acts as by their hierarchical consistency and ability to translate constitutional and legislative provisions into understandable procedures for financing, procurement, digital accounting, and quality control of medical services. It is shown that basic laws, in particular the Fundamentals of Ukrainian Legislation on Health Care and the Law of Ukraine on State Financial Guarantees for Medical Care for the Population, set the framework for the state’s obligations and the logic of the transition to a model in which the state acts as a guarantor and strategist, while contracting and tariff-setting mechanisms ensure the distribution of available resources and the appropriate quality of medical services.
Based on the analysis of contemporary scientific publications on this issue, the institutional architecture of public health management has been refined and typical «gaps» between norms, powers, and results have been identified, which manifest themselves in inconsistencies between levels of public management, personnel and financial imbalances, and uneven digital infrastructure. Priority areas for improvement have been formulated, consisting of codifying accountability and evaluation procedures, unifying crisis protocols, developing cross-sectoral coordination, and institutional improvement of public administration in conditions of martial law and post-war recovery. It is emphasized that the communication component of public administration, in particular the use of digital platforms and feedback mechanisms, can be seen as a tool for increasing the legitimacy of reforms and trust in public institutions, while recognizing public health as an integral indicator of national interests strengthens the argument in favor of prioritizing further improvement of the institutional and institutional components of healthcare development as a guarantee of strengthening national security.

Comparative analysis of health policy development models in European Union countries

Serhiy Zamchiy — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article provides a comparative analysis of health policy development models in European Union countries to identify successful practices for Ukraine in the context of European integration. The relevance of the study is substantiated by the need to adapt the Ukrainian healthcare system to EU standards while preserving national specificities.
The basic models of healthcare organization in the EU are systematized: the Bismarck model (social insurance), the Beveridge model (national health service), and mixed models. It is revealed that EU countries apply differentiated approaches to healthcare financing: Germany and the Netherlands use mandatory health insurance with participation of private insurance funds, Sweden and Denmark predominantly use tax financing through national health services, while France and Belgium employ mixed models combining insurance and budget financing.
Primary healthcare reforms are examined, covering the strengthening of family doctors’ role as service coordinators, implementation of mandatory patient registration systems, and development of multidisciplinary teams in primary care.
The digital transformation of healthcare systems is analyzed, revealing Estonia’s leadership with 99% digitalization of medical data, progress in Denmark and Lithuania in providing citizens’ online access to electronic medical records, and gradual implementation of electronic prescriptions and telemedicine in Poland and the Czech Republic.
It is established that new EU members with post-Soviet backgrounds (Poland, Estonia, Czech Republic) demonstrate different trajectories of healthcare system transformation, adapting Western European models to their own conditions. Common challenges for EU healthcare systems are identified, including demographic aging, rising healthcare costs, medical staff shortages, and territorial disparities in service accessibility.
The experience of integrating public and private sectors through mechanisms of contracting private service providers, public-private partnerships, and price regulation is generalized. Recommendations for Ukraine on adapting successful European practices considering the national context are proposed.

Legal principles of applying natural therapeutic assets in the practice of European countries

Nataliia Vernihorova — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines foreign experience regarding the integrated approach to utilizing natural therapeutic assets within the spheres of rehabilitation, the health resort industry, and medical practice. The legislative framework is analyzed using the examples of France, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Poland. The selection of the first three countries is justified by their high level of integration of natural therapeutic resources into medical services. Poland’s experience is of particular interest due to the similarities in the development of its health resort sector with that of Ukraine. Furthermore, the study analyzes the current state of integration of natural therapeutic resources into medical services and the existing regulatory framework governing the rehabilitation process in Ukraine. It has been determined that a significant barrier to integrating therapeutic resources into the medical sphere is their perceived status of lacking an evidence base. Conversely, the significant number of natural therapeutic asset deposits in Ukraine requires proper inventory and a thorough analysis of their pharmacological properties. Therefore, aligning the use of natural therapeutic resources with best European standards necessitates not only regulatory adjustments but also comprehensive laboratory and analytical research of existing resources.
Key provisions within the regulatory documents of the examined European countries were analyzed; specifically, those regulating the use of natural resources as therapeutic agents and classifying health resort treatment as a medical service. Key features of regulatory frameworks that drive the integration of natural therapeutic resources into medical and rehabilitation practices have been identified, highlighting their importance for adoption within Ukraine’s legal framework.
Based on the research results, practical recommendations have been formulated for developing an integrated approach to the medical use of Natural Therapeutic Assets (NTA) in Ukraine. It is noteworthy that future research prospects include formulating a development strategy for the rehabilitation sector using NTA that addresses contemporary challenges and needs in Ukraine.

Theoretical approaches to defining the concept of «resort and recreational sphere» as an object of public management

Oleksandr Morachov — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article argues that scientific sources lack a unified approach to defining the concept of “resort and recreational sphere”, and there is also substitution and identification of categories to which this concept belongs. It is advisable to reveal the content of the concept of “resort and recreational sphere” based on the use of various scientific and methodological approaches, namely anthropological, institutional and legal, and purely theoretical. Based on the anthropological approach, it is advisable to consider the resort and recreational sphere as a sphere whose functioning is aimed at restoring a person’s mental and physical strength as a result of various influences of the external environment.
The article concludes that the institutional and legal approach gives grounds to assert that the functioning of the resort and recreational sector is influenced by the activities of public authorities at various levels. They develop and implement policies to ensure the preservation and restoration of citizens’ health, manage or regulate healthcare facilities, recreation facilities, resorts, and other institutions in those industries that contribute to human recreation. The article emphasizes that it is the authorities that set state standards and regulations regarding the activities of the above-mentioned institutions, as well as the conditions and levels of restoring and preserving people’s health.
The article proposes to consider that various kinds of enterprises and institutions whose activities are aimed at human recreation can be considered as objects of the resort and recreational sphere. The resort and recreational sphere is neither a branch of the economy nor a cooperation; it is a broader concept that relates to various (abstract and concrete) components of life, where it is appropriate to use the term “sphere”.
The article argues that, based on a systems approach, the resort and recreational sector can be considered as a subsystem in the public health system, which in turn can be considered a subsystem of health care. Since the above systems are complex, that is, they implement more than one goal, the definition of system elements can be carried out according to various criteria.

Humanistic aspects of public governance in smart city development

Valerii Babaiev, Serhii Deikalo — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article examines the humanistic foundations of public policy for smart city development in Ukraine, the European Union, and the world as a whole. Humanistic aspects are defined as social inclusion, ethical public governance, digital justice, participation and civic engagement, ethnic and cultural identity, and environmental sustainability. The paper proposes an interpretation of digital humanism in public governance of smart city development as a normative–value and governance paradigm according to which digital technologies are regarded as instruments serving individuals, communities, and the public good, and are implemented under the priority of human dignity, rights and freedoms, social justice, democratic accountability, and inclusiveness of the urban environment. It is emphasized that digital humanism and digital ethics are not synonymous but complementary categories, since digital humanism defines the value orientations and meaning of urban digital transformation, while digital ethics establishes the rules and boundaries for the practical use of digital technologies.
The dominance of a technocratic approach in smart city development governance processes is noted. A critical analysis of smart city components shows that each of them contains inherent humanistic contradictions. Humanistic and ethical problems of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into smart city systems are examined. The following humanistic challenges of smart city development are identified: depersonalization of individuals and a technocratic bias; algorithmic opacity and the problem of governmental accountability; violations of privacy and excessive surveillance; algorithmic discrimination and social injustice; the digital divide and exclusion of citizens from governance; commercialization of urban data and loss of sovereignty, among others.
An analysis of the formalization and institutionalization of the humanistic foundations of public governance of smart city development in the EU and Ukraine is conducted. For Ukraine, the article proposes the following directions for change: the development of a human-centric public governance concept for smart city development harmonized with the EU model; institutionalization of the principles of digital humanism and digital ethics in legislation on local self-government and digital governance; introduction of mandatory transparency mechanisms, human-in-the-loop approaches, and public oversight of AI use; development of digital inclusion and citizens’ competencies; and implementation of post-war urban recovery projects in Ukraine based on the principles of rationality, digital humanism, and digital ethics.

Implementation of state policy on the development of civil society at the regional level under martial law

Anastasiia Zhornytska — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to the analysis of the implementation of state policy for the development of civil society at the regional level in the context of martial law in Ukraine. The impact of full-scale war on public administration practices in the regions, the transformation of administrative powers, and changes in the formats of interaction between public authorities and civil society organizations are examined. It is argued that martial law significantly changes the conditions for the implementation of state policy, strengthening security priorities and at the same time highlighting the need to maintain minimum democratic standards at the local level. It has been shown that opportunities for participation and forms of interaction depend on the security status of the territory: in frontline and high-risk regions, rapid response management decisions prevail; in de-occupied and affected communities, issues of recovery and social support are central; while in relatively safe regions, there is still potential for consultation, partnerships, and resident engagement. It has been established that the main risks to democratic standards arise when temporary restrictions are insufficiently justified, there are no defined time limits for their application, and feedback is limited. It has been proven that the effective implementation of state policy for the development of civil society in a state of martial law requires the introduction of clear and predictable regional procedures for interaction that combine security requirements with openness, accountability, and accessible channels of communication. It is concluded that institutionalizing such approaches at the regional level contributes to maintaining trust in public authorities, increases the effectiveness of management decisions, and creates the conditions for the further development of civil society in Ukraine.

Public authority and civil society in Ukraine under martial state

Oksana Malysheva — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to the consideration of the relationship between public authorities and civil society under the legal regime of martial law in Ukraine. It is stated that the relationship between public authorities has significantly transformed in connection with the introduction of martial law. The armed Russian aggression against Ukraine has determined changes in the scope of powers between state authorities and local self-government bodies. In regions close to the combat zone, there is a narrowing of the functions and powers of local self-government bodies. In regions that are remote from the zone of hostilities and, accordingly, are safer, local government bodies have broader powers. That is, public authorities under martial law have undergone significant transformations in terms of their powers, functions, and tasks.
The change in the balance of powers in public authorities in the context of Russian armed aggression also determined (depending on the status of a particular territory) a change in the relationship between the authorities and civil society.
Due to the legal regime of martial law in Ukraine, it is impossible to conduct election campaigns. That is, it is impossible to renew power in a democratic way. Accordingly, the issue of the legitimacy of public authorities has become important. The level of legitimacy of government is determined, in particular, by the level of trust in key government leaders by those in power. That is, trust in certain representatives of public authority is mostly converted into trust in the government institutions they represent. Accordingly, the level of legitimacy of power in society is increasing.
In order to create a climate of trust between public authorities and civil society structures under martial law, authorities should adjust strategies for cooperation with civil society. Such strategies may differ depending on the region, they may have their own specifics of interaction. This specificity is determined by the status of the relevant territory: a combat zone, or a zone of possible combat operations, or a conditionally safe territory of Ukraine, etc.

Public management of competence formation in the field of development of innovative public-private partnerships

Serhiy Kuz — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to the theoretical aspects of public management of competence formation in the field of development of innovative public-private partnerships (PPP).
The article clarifies the essence of innovative public-private partnerships as a form of public management of development, which is based on long-term interaction between the state and the private sector with the aim of jointly creating, implementing and disseminating innovations in the public sphere by integrating resources, competencies and risk sharing. The key differences between innovative PPPs and traditional ones are identified according to the criteria of purpose, object, level of risks, type of contracts and the role of the state.
The professional competencies required for managing innovative PPPs are systematized, covering managerial and strategic (project management, risk management, coordination), professional and technical (digital competence, knowledge of management theory and economics), and analytical and communicative competencies (monitoring, inter-sectoral interaction). The role of public administration in the formation of competencies, which is implemented through strategic, normative-regulatory, institutional, personnel-educational, coordination, motivational-stimulating and control functions, is substantiated. Public management of the formation of competencies in the field of innovative PPP development is proposed to be interpreted as a targeted, systemic and institutionally supported influence of public authorities on the development of professional, managerial, innovative and communicative capabilities of public sector entities to effectively initiate, implement and monitor innovative PPP projects in the context of socio-economic transformation. Public mechanisms for the formation of competencies are proposed, including institutional, personnel and educational, regulatory and legal, and innovative and digital measures.
As a direction for further research, a theoretical justification of the conceptual foundations of the national strategy for the development of competencies in the field of innovative PPPs is proposed.

Forming a digital national security ecosystem to counter hybrid threats

Viacheslav Dziundziuk — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hybrid threats, which combine military, informational, cyber, economic and diplomatic tools of influence, constitute one of the most serious challenges to national security in the 21st century. Traditional models of security system organization, built on principles of departmentalization and vertical hierarchy, demonstrate limited effectiveness in countering threats that are inherently multidimensional, dynamic and transborder. Ukraine’s experience, which has been resisting large-scale hybrid aggression since 2014, demonstrates the critical need to integrate diverse security actors, technologies and processes into a unified digital ecosystem capable of ensuring synergetic effect in detecting, analyzing and neutralizing threats. The article aims to develop a conceptual model of a digital national security ecosystem and identify key principles, architectural solutions and institutional mechanisms for its formation under conditions of hybrid warfare.
The article substantiates that an effective digital national security ecosystem should be based on five interconnected components: information-analytical infrastructure for collecting and processing data from diverse sources; technological platform integrating artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain and cybersecurity tools; analytical instruments for transforming data into actionable information; process mechanisms for coordination and decision-making; governance system defining rules of interaction between state, private and civil society actors. Each component performs specific functions, but their effectiveness is achieved only through tight integration and interaction.
Analysis of international experience shows that the most effective ecosystems are characterized by a balance of centralized coordination and decentralized initiative, combination of state regulation and market competition, integration of technological capabilities and institutional mechanisms of trust. Israeli model demonstrates advantages of tight integration between defense sector, academia and private business. Estonian model shows effectiveness of distributed architecture and international partnership. American experience underscores importance of specialized coordination agencies. Singapore practice illustrates possibilities of centralized planning while preserving private sector role.
Ukrainian context presents specific requirements for ecosystem formation: necessity to function under active conflict conditions, limited resources, presence of legacy systems and institutional barriers, high corruption risks. Simultaneously, Ukraine possesses significant opportunities: powerful innovative potential of IT sector with world-class expertise and readiness for cooperation, unique experience of countering hybrid threats accumulated over decade of conflict, international support from partners, high level of civil society mobilization. Recommendations are formulated for phased implementation of ecosystem approach with prioritization of critical functions, use of quick wins to create institutional momentum, ensuring multilayer cybersecurity and competence development at all transformation stages.

Kuts H. M., Kuts Yu. O. Ukrainian political identity vs russian political identity: demarcation lines

Halyna Kuts, Yurii Kuts — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article is devoted to identifying the key demarcation lines between Ukrainian and Russian political identities. Particular attention is paid to the importance of conceptual demarcation between the notions of Ukrainian and Russian political identities in the context of Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.
Political identities, like various forms of collective identities, are acquired phenomena. They undergo changes over a long period of time. It is noted that effective strategies for constructing political identities determine the formation of new traditions.
A comparison of the phenomena of Ukrainian political identity and Russian political identity is carried out, in particular in a historical context. The main differences between the Ukrainian and Russian types of political identities are identified.
It is argued that the categories of individualism, freedom, and rejection of authoritarian principles are key to Ukrainian political identity. For carriers of Russian political identity, the category of freedom does not hold significant value. On the contrary, servile obedience has long been considered a virtue within Muscovite society.
Carriers of Ukrainian political identity adopt a critical attitude toward representatives of power. Accordingly, one should not expect automatic submission to authority from Ukrainians. For citizens of Ukraine, the authority and legitimacy of the head of power are important.
For carriers of Russian political identity, the need for a supreme leader is essential. It is this leader who is expected to make all important decisions independently, while the population is required to execute them. This state of Russian political culture is determined by long-standing practices of authoritarianism.
It is stated that one of the dominant features of Russian political identity is atomization, that is, the fragmentation of society. Such a situation makes the formation of large-scale protest actions in Russia impossible, since people are unable to trust one another.
Carriers of Ukrainian political identity are characterized by the ability for cooperation and self-organization, which is formed in societies with a high level of social capital, where there is significant trust among people.