INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINE AND EU EXPERIENCE: MASTER’S STUDENTS PRESENT THEIR VISION OF THE FUTURE

On June 11, 2026, a roundtable discussion entitled “Innovation Development of Ukraine and EU Experience” was held within the activities of the Jean Monnet Chair “Strengthening EU Leadership and Capacity in Science and Innovation”. The event served as the final academic activity of the course “Business and Innovation” for students of the Master’s programme “Economics and Innovation”.

The roundtable brought together around 20 participants, including students, academics, and researchers interested in innovation-driven development, European integration, and the challenges of digital transformation. Six Master’s students enrolled in the course presented the outcomes of their studies and research conducted throughout the semester. During the course, students explored the functioning of innovation systems, the role of business and academia in innovation processes, and the European Union’s experience in fostering innovation-friendly environments.

Organised as an interactive discussion, the event provided a platform for exchanging ideas on the future of Ukraine’s innovation system and opportunities for deeper integration into the European Research and Innovation Area. Participants discussed the structure and performance of the EU innovation system, current innovation trends, the role of academia, business, public authorities and civil society, as well as the contribution of innovation to sustainable development.

Particular attention was paid to students’ presentations addressing the challenges and opportunities of innovation development in Ukraine, business innovation in the digital era, and new approaches to cooperation between universities, industry, and government. The discussion highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s integration into European innovation networks as a pathway towards strengthening competitiveness, developing human capital, and accelerating innovation-driven growth.

The roundtable demonstrated how the EU_STRENGHTS project contributes to promoting knowledge about European science and innovation policies, strengthening innovation capacity, encouraging critical thinking, and supporting future leaders capable of shaping innovation-driven development in Ukraine.

Jean Monnet Chair «Strengthening EU Leadership and Capacity in Science and Innovation» (101175767—EU_STRENGHTS—ERASMUS-JMO-2024-HEI-TCH-RSCH) 2024-2027. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.