COMPREHENSIVE ANALYTICAL ASSESSMENT OF BUSINESS SCALABILITY IN THE CONTEXT OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY: METHODS, DIAGNOSTICS AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Abstract
The article provides a comprehensive analytical assessment of business scalability in the context of foreign economic activity. The relevance of the study is driven by the increasing complexity of scaling processes under conditions of globalization, digital transformation and international market integration. For many Ukrainian enterprises, expansion beyond domestic markets remains constrained by insufficient analytical diagnostics of internal capabilities and external environmental factors. The study substantiates the need for a systematic analytical approach to assessing business scalability and proposes a structured algorithm for enterprise analysis. This algorithm integrates macro-environmental assessment, industry analysis and internal potential evaluation, enabling a holistic diagnosis of a firm’s readiness for scaling. Particular attention is given to the application of classical strategic tools—SWOT analysis, PESTELI analysis, Porter’s Five Forces and VRIO analysis – which are adapted to the specific requirements of foreign economic activity. Based on statistical and analytical data, the current state and key trends in the development of Ukrainian enterprises are examined, with an emphasis on sectoral differences in export activity and scaling potential. The article highlights that despite the dominance of small and medium-sized enterprises, the highest level of internationalisation and scalability is observed among medium and large firms operating in manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics and information technology sectors. A comparative analysis of domestic and international scaling practices reveals significant institutional, financial and organisational gaps that limit the scalability of Ukrainian businesses. At the same time, major barriers and drivers of scaling in the context of foreign economic activity are identified, including regulatory conditions, access to finance, digitalisation and integration into global value chains. The results justify the need to improve analytical tools for managing business scaling and create a foundation for further development of advanced diagnostic and strategic frameworks.
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