Vladyslav Horbov

The russian war in Ukraine replaced not only millions of people but also businesses in the safer regions of Ukraine. The study aims to identify regional stakeholders’ emergency responses in reaction to the russian war in Ukraine associated with business relocations and their impact on the host region. Employing qualitative research methods, including focus group discussions and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 25 informants (representatives of departments of economic development of regional authorities and administrators of regional development agencies), the study was conducted between March and May 2023. The findings reveal a diverse range of relocation strategies, with a significant inclination toward safer western and central regions of Ukraine, which accounted for more than 70% of displaced businesses. The notable share of relocated companies are wholesale and retail trade companies and the processing industry companies – 40% and 32%, respectively. It is assumed that not capital-intensive companies were relocated first. The support from regional stakeholders played a crucial role in mitigating business challenges related to relocation (communication difficulties, market loss, supply chain disruptions, and employee relocation issues, providing comprehensive assistance, and facilitating integration into the new socio-economic environment). The study acknowledges potential biases in responses and emphasizes the importance of correctly interpreting results. The study results are helpful for policy-making regarding regional development and the post-war rebuilding of Ukraine.

Acknowledgment
The study was conducted within the framework of the State Budget of the Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman on the topic “Displaced business in revitalization of regional ecosystems in Ukraine” (state registration number 0123U100357).