Assessment of regional competitiveness of milk production in Ukraine

The purpose of the article is to develop methodological approaches to assessing the regional competitiveness of milk production in Ukraine, to calculate the integral competitiveness indicators for each region and based on them to build ratings, and also to establish the relationship between the competitiveness of production and the region’s self-sufficiency in milk. Research methods. The work is based on the dialectical method of cognition using the following research methods: abstractlogical (for generalization and formulation of conclusions); comparative analysis (to compare the level of milk production competitiveness among regions); statistical and economic (when conducting a rating assessment of regional competitiveness of milk production); graphical (to visually display the results of statistical analysis); balance (in determining the ratio of the regional level of milk production and consumption), as well as a systematic approach, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction and others in the field of economic research. Research results. Methodological approaches to assessing the regional competitiveness of milk production have been developed, which are presented in the form of the following actions sequence: to determine a system of indicators for assessing the competitiveness of major milk producers; to carry out rationing of average indicators; to calculate integrated indices for each producer and determine the integrated regional rating; to build a rating of regions according to integrated indices and overall rating. Calculations performed in accordance with this algorithm allowed us to determine the competitive regions of Ukraine for milk production. Scientific novelty. Methodological approaches to determining the level of competitiveness of milk production in the regions of Ukraine were further developed, taking into account all categories of producers. The ratio of the degree of regional competitiveness to the level of milk self-sufficiency is calculated. It has been established that the higher milk production competitiveness, the better regional self-sufficiency. Practical significance. Methodological approaches have been developed and the assessment results are an information base for making managerial decisions aimed at equalizing the competitiveness of milk production in the regions of Ukraine in the context of developing a regional policy for socio-economic development. The obtained indicators of the level of competitiveness can be used by agricultural producers to identify strengths or weaknesses in milk production development and to compare the economy with the best management practices. The information obtained in the study will be interesting to potential investors who plan to engage in the dairy business in Ukraine. Tabl.: 1. Figs.: 2. Refs.: 17.