Decentralisation as a driver of sustainable economic development for local communities in the context of Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction

Abstract

The article examines the impact of digital and innovative processes on the transformation of the employment structure in Ukraine in the context of economic restructuring, institutional changes and increased integration into the global economic space. It is argued that the digitalisation of the national economy is asynchronous and selective in nature, combining outdated production structures with modern digital practices, which leads to uneven structural shifts in the labour market. It is shown that the introduction of digital technologies changes the relationship between labour and capital, reducing the need for routine labour functions and at the same time increasing the demand for workers with cognitive, analytical and digital competencies. It has been proven that the Ukrainian labour market is gradually transforming from an industrial to a hybrid model of employment, combining traditional types of activities and knowledge-intensive forms of labour. The key areas of digital change have been identified, in particular the IT sector, financial services, logistics, e-commerce and public administration, while emphasising the preservation of a significant share of low-tech employment, which increases labour market differentiation. The impact of digitalisation on the professional structure of employment, the growing role of interdisciplinary competencies and the transformation of traditional professions are analysed. It is argued that the spread of flexible and remote forms of employment expands the opportunities for attracting human capital to global labour markets, while increasing the risks of precariousness and instability in labour relations. It is proven that the effective adaptation of the Ukrainian labour market to digital challenges requires a reorientation of the education system towards a competence-based and continuous learning format, as well as the formation of integrated approaches to intellectual capital management as a key factor in innovative development and economic sustainability. The conclusion is formulated that intellectual capital management in the context of digital transformation should be based on the integration of human, organisational and relational capital with digital resources and technologies, which allows minimising social risks, increasing staff adaptability and transforming digital changes into a source of long-term competitive advantages and economic stability for Ukraine.