CHALLENGES AND RISKS FACING INTERNATIONAL IT COMPANIES OPERATING IN UKRAINE
Abstract
The article examines the problems and risks faced by international IT companies operating in Ukraine under conditions of full-scale war, macroeconomic instability, regulatory uncertainty and transformation of global demand for digital services. The relevance of the study is determined by the strategic role of the Ukrainian IT sector in the national economy, its export orientation, contribution to foreign currency revenues and integration into the global market for digital services. The article identifies the specific features of international IT companies’ activities in Ukraine, where global client orientation is combined with local risks of the Ukrainian business environment. The main groups of risks are systematized, including military and security risks, economic risks, regulatory and tax risks, human capital risks, technological risks and cybersecurity risks. Particular attention is paid to the impact of full-scale war on business continuity, infrastructure stability, staff safety, mobilization processes and foreign customers’ trust. The article also analyzes the dependence of Ukrainian IT companies on external demand, the shift from traditional outsourcing models to more complex product-oriented and high-tech solutions, and the growing importance of artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, data analytics and cybersecurity. The study emphasizes that the risks faced by international IT companies in Ukraine are interconnected and may simultaneously affect operational stability, export potential, investment attractiveness and long-term competitiveness. The practical value of the article lies in the proposed directions for risk minimization, including business continuity planning, diversification of markets and client portfolios, development of product-based models, investment in employee skills, strengthening of cybersecurity, regulatory monitoring and improvement of institutional support for the IT sector. The findings may be useful for international IT companies, Ukrainian technology enterprises, investors, business associations and public authorities involved in shaping policies for digital business development and resilience.
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