REGIONAL CLUSTERS OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIPS AS A TOOL FOR DECENTRALIZED DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATIONAL ECONOMY

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the theoretical, methodological, and practical foundations for the development of regional clusters of social entrepreneurships as an effective tool for the decentralized growth of Ukraine’s national economy. The evolution of cluster theory – from A. Marshall’s concept of “industrial districts” to modern models of the social economy – demonstrates the universality of the cluster approach, which can be adapted to the objectives of inclusive growth and social integration. A regional social entrepreneurship cluster is defined as a spatial and network-based system of interaction among social enterprises, local communities, academic institutions, businesses, and public authorities, aimed at creating social value, expanding employment, and strengthening human capital. The organizational and economic mechanism of cluster functioning is revealed; it is based on the principles of partnership, trust, and shared investment, as well as the application of public–private partnership instruments, social incubators, accelerators, and digital collaboration platforms. Analytical modeling of the impact of social entrepreneurship clusters on regional development confirms their multiplicative effect: social investments in clusters stimulate not only economic growth but also enhance social cohesion, develop innovation potential, and increase the resilience of local territories. It is shown that in post-war regions of Ukraine, clusters may serve as key elements of recovery systems, combining state, private, and community resources to create jobs and reintegrate internally displaced persons. The analysis of regional cases in Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, and Dnipropetrovsk regions demonstrate the practical effectiveness of the cluster approach, which ensures employment growth, stimulates social innovation, and fosters community development. However, several systemic barriers have been identified, including resource asymmetry between regions, insufficient digitalization, and the absence of stable national coordination mechanisms. The study substantiates the need to establish a National Network of Social Entrepreneurship Clusters of Ukraine, integrated into the European cluster ecosystem, which will enhance the efficiency of social investment use, ensure interregional synergy, foster partnership development, and attract international funding. It is concluded that social entrepreneurship clusters represent an essential component of a new paradigm of regional development, combining economic efficiency with social responsibility and contributing to the implementation of an inclusive growth model based on sustainability, civic participation, and decentralization of governance.