# 66 334-339 View full article

УДК 332.14:502.131.1

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-3-66

Legeta Jaroslav,
Applicant,
Uzhhorod National University,
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2579-3671

JEL classification: J11, O13, O31, R51

The purpose of the study is to analyze and systematize the baseline conditions of rural development in Ukraine to identify factors that stimulate or limit the implementation of innovative and sustainable development models under modern challenges. The work employs a complex set of scientific methods: statistical analysis to study demographic trends and the economic efficiency of the agricultural sector; the cartographic method to visualize regional differentiation in depopulation and the development of organic farming; and comparative analysis to contrast urban vs. rural development rates and domestic indicators with EU levels. The theoretical framework is based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, bioeconomy, and circular economy concepts. A state of chronic depopulation in villages was established, with a population decline rate of -121.7 per 10,000 inhabitants in 2021. The full-scale war caused catastrophic human capital losses, especially in the North, with the Chernihiv region at -25.7% and the Sumy region at -23.8%. Agriculture remains the economic core, generating a significant gross value added that exceeded 426 billion UAH in 2022. Despite a decrease in the workforce from 724.8 thousand to 502.9 thousand, wages rose to 88% of the national average, indicating intensified production. A critical land cultivation rate of 53.9% was identified, necessitating a paradigm shift in land use. Organic production is identified as a key innovative model, yet its current share of 1.1% is significantly lower than the EU average of 10.4%. The scientific novelty lies in the proposed typology of rural territories, which combines demographic resilience, agribusiness investment activity, and environmental potential. It is proven that the twin transition requires institutional strengthening of small-scale farming and the development of local value chains. The practical significance of the findings lies in their use in developing differentiated regional policies to attract youth to the agricultural sector and support organic operators as drivers of rural community recovery.

Keywords: rural territories, innovative transformation, demographic depopulation, human capital, agricultural sector, sustainable development, organic production, twin transition, regional differentiation, digital accessibility.

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The article was received 10.08.2025

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Legeta J. 10.08.2025 . Demographic and economic determinants of innovative development of rural space. Ukrainian Journal of Applied Economics and Technology. 2025. №3. 334-339 pp. https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-3-66

Quote article, MLA style

Legeta J. Demographic and economic determinants of innovative development of rural space. Ukrainian Journal of Applied Economics and Technology. 10.08.2025 . https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-3-66