On May 22, 2024, the thematic meeting titled “Economics in the Face of Dynamic Challenges: Machinery Engineering” took place, where consultants from SMS-Ukraine and representatives from Ukraine’s machinery engineering sector exchanged effective solutions and expectations.
Olena Zhukova, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster (UMC) and Director of Marine Design Engineering Mykolaiv, along with Yuriy Zhukov, Founder of С-Job Nikolayev, presented the achievements of the Cluster and shared insights.
Today, the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster has united over 40 enterprises in the blue economy of Ukraine and has partners at regional, national, and international levels. The organization received significant support from European partners, including the European Network of Maritime Clusters (ENMC), SEA Europe, European Boating Industry (EBI), and others, especially after the onset of the full-scale invasion. It also benefits from international partners in grant projects, such as 4BIZ (Boosting of the Blue Economy in the Black Sea Region through the establishment of a business cooperation structure in fisheries and aquaculture, coastal and maritime tourism, and maritime transport), which have agreed to continue involving the Ukrainian side in the implementation of the Black Sea blue economy development concept.
Regarding the main challenges faced by shipbuilding enterprises, Olena Zhukova, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster (UMC), noted the following:
One of the main challenges in shipbuilding, as in any engineering sector, is intellectual capital. Supporting and enhancing personnel qualifications is both crucial and complex. We have a scientifically validated business model: the method of innovative outsourcing for the development of multi-service engineering companies. This model addresses all aspects of intellectual digital services applied in the value chains of shipbuilding.
This business model is operational and expanding, and it is currently undergoing international implementation trials – establishing enterprises in other countries, exploring practices for validating this model with other universities, and adapting the knowledge level required to meet business standards, as emphasized by Olena Zhukova.
Regarding the main levers of support for the members of the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster, as well as activating their interest in further participation in the organization’s activities, Yuriy Zhukov, founder of C-Job Mykolaiv LLC and member of the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster, noted:
What helps us determine our priorities in our work? What helps us is that we have companies already integrated into global supply chains. Currently, the Cluster helps us because it has united most of the Mykolaiv and other stakeholders in the maritime industry for communication and assists us (i.e., members of the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster) in participating in events alongside international clusters and global shipbuilding associations. In this way, we stay updated with the innovations that are currently relevant in the market and the corresponding competition. Cluster activities expand our business opportunities, informed Mr. Yuriy Zhukov.
We invite you to view the recording of the presentation by representatives of the Ukrainian Maritime Cluster at the thematic meeting “Economics in the Face of Dynamic Challenges: Machinery Engineering”
Representatives from the following organizations also spoke:
- Olga Trofymova, President of SMS-Ukraine, Cluster Manager of the Ukrainian Automotive and Mobility Cluster
- Volodymyr Cherniuk, Executive Director of Lviv Tech Cluster
- Vladislav Kondus, Executive Director of Sumy Machine-Building Cluster for Energy Equipment
Machine engineering is a driver of any country’s economy. Thanks to the speakers representing powerful industry clusters, participants learned about their ongoing work, preparations, and the sources of strength and resources that industry leaders draw upon during challenging times.