Nadiia Pysar

The article deals with the topical issue of applying the theory of “growth poles” to the economic development of Ukraine. A variety of theoretical definitions of the “growth pole” concept existing in the world economic and scientific thought has been studied. The ways and issues of practical application of the theory of “growth poles” for the Ukrainian economy have been identified. It has been proved that the formation of “growth poles” in industry is the determination of priority locomotive branches of the region’s industrial economy. The possible mechanisms of their localization in the form of growth areas have been substantiated. The methodology for determining “growth areas” of the industrial region has been developed and applied to the industry of the Carpathian economic region. In order to identify regional economic growth areas, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Chernivtsi, and Zakarpattia regions have been analyzed, evaluated, and classified for the period 2011–2016: by the relative share of the industry in the total output produced in the region of interest; by the relative share of unprofitable businesses in the industry; by the level of profitability of industries (goods) and by the monetary value of the profit earned by industries. The procedure for classifying the branches has been put forward for the purpose of identifying economic growth areas by totality of leading businesses and by fiscal performance (size of tax payments) of industries. It has been proved that the advanced development of the region’s industrial economy is possible as a result of intensifying the areas of the growth poles, with the priority innovative and investment projects for the development of the locomotive regional branches serving as the principal growth areas of the regional economy.

The Ukrainian energy market has been analyzed region-wise in terms of consumption of fuel and energy resources by household sector. Critical aspects of improving energy security have been reflected in the context of the use of energy resources. The principal directions of the socially responsible market economy system have been offered in the light of the country’s economic security in terms of overcoming “fuel poverty”. Cognitive features of the “fuel poverty” phenomenon have been defined. Mathematical modeling of the “fuel poverty” index has been carried out using the following approaches: “after fuel cost poverty”; energy expenditure above 10% of disposable income; the Low Income – High Costs, where households with relatively high energy costs and low income are emphasized. A model of the final calculation of household energy costs has been developed for the purpose of optimal management. The graphical abstract of the obtained “fuel poverty” index solutions has been presented, with the upper left corner – low income – high costs – serving as a critical zone. The block diagram of improving the socially responsible market economy system in the light of overcoming “fuel poverty” has been offered.