THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN ENHANCING THE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS OF THE NATIONAL INNOVATION SYSTEM

Abstract

The article examines the issues of substantiating strategic directions for accelerating innovative development in Ukraine and redefining the structure of its National Innovation System (NIS). The study aims to integrate modern helix models and mission-oriented approaches in order to strengthen the global competitiveness of domestic enterprises and ensure economic resilience in the context of wartime challenges and post-war recovery. The theoretical basis of the study is formed by the synthesis of the Triple, Quadruple, and Quintuple Helix concepts, as well as the mission-oriented innovation approach. A multidimensional analysis of innovation activity indicators in Ukraine was applied, including an examination of the structural dynamics of research and development expenditures over recent years. A significant structural shift in the domestic scientific sphere has been identified, manifested in the growth of applied research expenditures. This confirms the reorientation of the scientific community toward addressing practical technological challenges. It is substantiated that social capital and public trust are system-forming factors of the NIS, determining its network capacity for knowledge generation, transfer, and commercialization. The necessity of strengthening interaction within the "universities–business–state" triad has been demonstrated. To overcome systemic gaps, a transition to the Quadruple Helix model has been proposed, which integrates social management practices and civil society as active participants in the innovation cycle. The importance of legislative support for collective investment institutions to attract private capital into high-risk applied research has been substantiated. The transformation of the NIS from an imitative to a mission-oriented model is a prerequisite for technological sovereignty and European integration. Practical recommendations have been formulated regarding the prioritization of technical and natural sciences, as well as the strengthening of social management practices to improve the commercialization of experimental developments.