On 18 September 2026, Sumy State University hosted the Regional Forum “Cluster and Digital Innovation Ecosystems as a Tool for Shaping the Economic Future of Sumy Region: Preparing the Development Strategy 2028–2034”.
Inna Koblianska, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of International Economic Relations at Sumy State University, participated in the Forum and moderated one of its panel discussions.
The event was held in a hybrid format and brought together representatives of business, academia, local communities, clusters, and the expert community to identify promising directions for the region’s economic development and develop practical solutions that could contribute to the preparation of the Sumy Region Development Strategy for 2028–2034.
The panel discussion focused on identifying key challenges, opportunities, and instruments for regional economic development. Particular attention was paid to combining the potential of business, science, digital technologies, and innovation ecosystems to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of Sumy Region.
The professional dialogue addressed the development of promising sectors of the regional economy, human capital, technological modernisation, digitalisation, access to finance, export opportunities, science–business cooperation, and effective mechanisms for implementing joint initiatives.
An important practical outcome of the Forum was the presentation of the draft White Paper on Cluster and Innovation Development of Sumy Region. The document brings together proposals for regional policy instruments and strategic projects and is intended to contribute to the preparation of the new Regional Development Strategy.
The Forum’s agenda is closely aligned with the research activities of the Department of International Economic Relations. In particular, in 2025–2027, the Department is implementing the fundamental research project “Fundamental Principles of Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Regional Space for Post-War Recovery in the Context of Digital Transformation” (State Registration No. 0125U001620), funded by the state budget of Ukraine. Participation in the Forum provides an additional opportunity to connect academic research with the practical discussion of strategic priorities for the recovery and development of the Sumy Region.
Hosting the Forum at Sumy State University and the active involvement of university representatives contribute to integrating academic expertise into strategic planning, strengthening dialogue between academia, business, public authorities, and local communities, and jointly developing solutions for the sustainable economic future of the Sumy Region.
