STRATEGY FOR INTERNATIONALIZATION OF UKRAINIAN SMES AMID GLOBAL ECONOMIC TURBULENCE
Abstract
The article is devoted to the analysis of strategic approaches to the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine under conditions of global economic turbulence. The study examines the development dynamics of Ukrainian SMEs during the period 2020–2025, taking into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the full-scale war, disruptions of global supply chains, energy market volatility, and increasing macroeconomic uncertainty. Particular attention is paid to identifying and systematising the key barriers that hinder the international expansion of Ukrainian SMEs, including limited access to finance, regulatory and institutional constraints, logistical challenges, insufficient innovation capacity, human capital losses, and gaps in digital readiness, which significantly affect firms’ ability to compete in international markets. The research substantiates the growing importance of digital transformation, e-commerce, cross-border digital platforms, and integration into European and global value chains as critical drivers of SME internationalisation. The role of state policy instruments, international financial assistance, donor programmes, and EU integration mechanisms in supporting export-oriented SME development is critically assessed, with emphasis on institutional adaptability and resilience-building tools. Methodologically, the study combines quantitative analysis of official Ukrainian and international statistical data with comparative case study analysis of selected SMEs and support programmes. Based on the research results, strategic directions for strengthening the competitiveness, adaptability, and export potential of Ukrainian SMEs are proposed, with consideration given to projected economic and technological trends for 2026, structural transformation processes, and post-crisis recovery challenges. The findings contribute to the academic discourse on SME internationalisation in emerging and crisis-affected economies and offer practical implications for policymakers and business stakeholders.
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