The main trends in the development of the world economy in the context of global challenges caused by geopolitical crises and wars and serious changes in demography, world wealth, technology, and climate are analyzed. The systemic risks of trade tensions, the growth of the debt level, and the decrease in the monetary policy’s effectiveness in the world's leading economies are studied in the context of Ukraine. The negative trends of a consistently high level of core inflation, which will require a further increase in interest rates or a prolonged maintenance of their high indicators, are outlined. High inflation has led to an erosion of real incomes and a global cost-of-living crisis, pushing millions of people to the brink of poverty and economic hardship. The reasons for the deterioration of the economic situation in the United States, the EU, China, and other leading world economies affecting the economies of other countries are examined. Consumers have been cutting back on their spending due to rising interest rates, lower real incomes, and a significant decline in household net worth. The dependence between the deterioration of macroeconomic stability in the world and additional threats to economic security and international support of Ukraine is detected. Therefore, based on the study, the author substantiates the following priority initiatives: the expediency of independent formation by Ukraine of an environment that will be favorable for the development of domestic entrepreneurship in the open economic space and capable of withstanding competitive pressure in the domestic and foreign markets; accelerating the implementation of the European Commission’s package of recommendations and the successful completion of basic reforms; creating conditions for attracting and improving the security of investments in Ukraine in wartime; accelerating integration into the European economic area. It is important to increase investors’ confidence in Ukraine through the use of investment protection tools, in particular investment insurance, strengthening control over the fulfillment of contractual obligations under investment agreements, strengthening the legal framework, expanding cooperation with international organizations, providing access to a fair trial within independent arbitration courts, conducting structural reforms aimed at improving the business climate, easing bureaucracy, and increasing accessibility of information for investors.
The article analyzes the main models and trends in the development of Industry 4.0 of the top three global exporters, namely China, Germany, and the USA. It examines the German High-Tech Strategy, which became the first national concept to unite the main stakeholders in the field of innovation and technology around the common goal of development and expansion of the latest technologies, as well as the strategic initiative for the development of Germany’s digital transformation, Industry 4.0. The author reveals that rethinking the linear assembly line of traditional industrial manufacturing is the fundamental goal for German manufacturers on their way to transition to the so-called “smart manufacturing”. Peculiarities of mass education and implementation of Industry 4.0 practices and technologies in various branches of industry in China are studied. The article discusses the strategic initiative China Manufacturing 2025 aimed at strengthening the manufacturing capacity of the Chinese economy and other initiatives such as Internet+, Made in China 2025, and China Standards 2035 aimed at promoting China’s digital economy and standardizing advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), big data, etc. The implementation of Industry 4.0 in the USA, based on the prioritization of the strategic importance of industrial digitalization and a change in the paradigm of work of organizations, is outlined. At the same time, Industry 4.0 in the USA offers many new opportunities and advantages for enterprises that actively implement the achievements of Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0 technology is crucial for overcoming supply chain disruptions caused by pandemics and geopolitical crises. Based on the experience of Germany, China, and the USA, recommendations for the implementation of Industry 4.0 in Ukraine are developed, in particular, the adoption of a national strategy for Industry 4.0, the implementation of an innovative policy for the development of science and technology and training of people and manufacturers, the creation of a strong diversified industrial base with comprehensive implementation of the latest Industry 4.0 technologies in production. It is expedient to determine what investments in physical infrastructure and human capacity are necessary, including training in new digital skills; key industries that need development support; the legal framework that needs to be changed to create mechanisms for effective implementation of the latest technologies by manufacturers. A network of Industry 4.0 expertise centers in Ukraine should be developed, technical standards should be harmonized, program documents regarding the digital transformation of certain industries should be developed and adopted, etc. The accumulated experience should be recorded in detail in relevant documents for the successful planning of the national strategy, as well as ensuring heredity in its implementation.
industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, automated production line, digital transformation, information technology (IT), digital industry
The article analyzes the main trends in the global market of mechanical engineering, in particular, in the branches of agricultural engineering, mechanical engineering for light industry, construction and road engineering, and energy engineering. It also addresses the structure and development trends of the mechanical engineering market by regions, changes in the business environment of the mechanical engineering industry, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the state and development of the global mechanical engineering market, new rules and requirements for manufacturers of mechanical engineering products, and technological innovations and trends. Mechanical engineering companies today are at the epicenter of technological transformation. The mechanical engineering industry creates individual digital capabilities and intelligently combined products. Innovative processes such as related production, forecast service and innovative service models are increasingly used in mechanical engineering. The use of modern digital technologies in mechanical engineering is becoming a necessity that prevents the risks of losing relevance in the market of modern industry. Although the basic principles of mechanical engineering, such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and machine design, still remain in force, the latest technologies are contributing to the rapid development of composites, mechatronics and nanotechnology. These new subject areas, which are the result of modern achievements, have become a prerequisite for the development of new and promising industries, including artificial intelligence and biomechatronics. The growing demand for increased production efficiency while minimizing operating costs has led to demand for new and innovative technologies. Based on the study of the introduction of new technologies in mechanical engineering and global trends in the industry, the author substantiates the feasibility of accepting the need for globalization in mechanical engineering as a new norm, taking into account costs, tax consequences, quality and delivery in planning the existing geographical location, supply chains, strategic partnerships; reduction of the general supply cycle for better adaptation to the changing environment; optimization of existing production facilities, automation and attraction of advanced digital technologies for the establishment of work processes; implementation of advanced technologies in mechanical engineering, such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, nanoengineering, advanced data analytics, automation of robotic processes, blockchain, robotics, cloud computing augmented reality, 3D printing, drones, 5G, etc.; raising the qualification level of mechanical engineering workers.
mechanical engineering, construction and road mechanical engineering, energy mechacnical engineering, agricultural mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering for light industry, technological innovations
The ways to develop and increase Ukraine’s export potential in the markets of the European Union (EU) are analyzed. The EU is Ukraine's main trading partner and destination for the vast majority of its exports. That is why the Government of Ukraine is focusing its efforts on the development and implementation of the best strategies and practices to increase Ukrainian exports to the EU. Despite significant share of exports to the EU, domestic businesses still experience difficulties and constraints accessing European markets. The current liberalization is dominated by the presence of two unfavorable regimes, namely the application of tariff quotas to a significant number of items and high technical barriers for Ukrainian access to the EU industrial market Based on the research of the economic part of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), the existing structure of Ukraine’s exports to the EU, current access to European markets, existing state mechanisms to support Ukrainian exporters, the process of harmonization of domestic legislation with the requirements and rules of the EU, the following conclusions and recommendations are substantiated: the feasibility of launching and developing state programs to support Ukrainian producers, such as state co-financing of participation in international exhibitions, compensation for abandonment of geographical indications, effective and efficient lending system, targeted taxes and fees; expediency of export orientation on high-tech products with high added value and degree of processing; the importance of effective protection of domestic exporters, strengthening the mechanisms for monitoring the compliance of Ukrainian laws with the requirements of EU legislation taking into account the issue of climate change in the legislative process of Ukraine; simplification of the regulatory mechanism, elimination of long bureaucratic procedures.
In this paper, digital technologies development was analyzed as the basis for the so-called “fourth industrial revolution” with the potential for the qualitative transformation of the Ukrainian economy based on EU countries’ experience. Industry 4.0 is a new control chain over the entire chain of creating value throughout the product lifecycle. When developing an economic policy, it is important to pay attention to Industry 4.0. It increases productivity, produces new, better, and individualized products, and implements new business models based on “undermining” innovations. A comparative analysis of national initiatives I4.0 with their characteristics according to the main dimensions, including funding, focus, direction, was conducted. Particular attention was paid to considering deterrents to the successful implementation and enforcement of the I4.0 initiative in European countries. The factors of successful implementation of I4.0 initiatives in the EU countries were analyzed. Drawing on the analysis of the European experience of digital transformations in industry and national economies in general, the necessity of critical focus of such transformations in Ukraine was highlighted, and the need for state support of industrial transformation was substantiated. The emphasis was placed on the cooperation development between stakeholders within the implementation of Industry 4.0 – it is necessary to create national and regional 4.0 platforms, following the example of EU countries, which would bring together government institutions, businesses, and academics. The successful positioning of the Ukrainian modern industrial complex on the world markets depends on the high level of the interconnected system providing factors that characterize its development process. Considering the influence of a list of inhibiting factors on implementing the country’s industry accelerated development, a set of measures needed to transform Ukraine’s industry based on European experience was substantiated.
industry, industrial transformation, Industry 4.0, national initiative I4.0, digitalization