Development of the seed potato market in Ukraine: a cluster approach based on bioeconomy

Purpose. The purpose of the study is to assess the state of the potato seed market and substantiate a cluster model for the development of potato growing on the basis of innovative bioeconomy, which will allow increasing the efficiency of domestic seed production and reduce Ukraine’s dependence on imported planting material. Methodology / approach. Integrated methods of biotechnological and economic research were used in the work. In particular, methods of analysis and synthesis, statistical groupings of data on the state of varieties of domestic and foreign selection in potato growing, needs for high-quality seed material. Economic theories of industry markets of innovative development of agricultural production of bioeconomy, methods of modelling cluster ecosystems on the basis of partnership of science and business (innovative providing), analytical generalisations (deterministic, factorial) and synthesis of data of marketing research and production practices were used. Results. The state and problems of the development of domestic potato farming, provision of producers with seed material were determined. The cluster model of development and dissemination of scientific innovations in the field of potato farming on the basis of public-private partnership is substantiated. Methodological approaches and innovative practices of the National Project “Ukrainian Potato” on testing bioeconomic indicators of production and sale of innovative potato products of domestic selection are analysed. The advantages of the cluster system of partnership between science and business in the field of seed and food potato production are proven. Originality / scientific novelty. The novelty lies in the practical testing of the cluster approach to the development of the seed potato market based on innovative bioeconomy. For the first time, a functional model of a cluster as a system of interaction between science, business and the state in the form of a contractual partnership is developed and tested. Institutional and economic mechanisms for the formation of the national market of certified seeds are proposed. Practical value / implications. The research results are used in the formation of a target program for the development of the potato industry for the long term, the creation of public-private product clusters to provide the population with quality potato products. The proposed cluster model, taking into account the existing demand for high-quality domestic potato seeds, can be scaled to other regions of Ukraine.