Stakeholder Engagement in the Management of Innovative Territorial Development: A Platform Approach

Abstract

The article explores the potential for using a platform approach in solving strategic planning issues at the regional level, substantiates the need for involving stakeholders in the process of choosing priority areas for the innovative development of the territory. Based on the study of foreign experience, problems and effective tools and mechanisms for stimulating stakeholder participation in entrepreneurial search processes in some EU countries are identified. The scientific novelty of this study lies in the development of theoretical and methodological approaches to managing the interaction of stakeholders in the processes of innovative development of territories, taking into account the potential of digital platforms and using the principles of the SMART approach. The scientific novelty is confirmed by the following results: 1. The difficulty of effectively involving stakeholders in the processes of strategic innovation planning and forecasting is substantiated. 2. The levels of stakeholder involvement in the management of innovative development of the region are determined taking into account the degree of ICT use: information, integration and digital levels. 3. A qualitative characteristic of the competencies of regional stakeholders for their effective involvement in the process of choosing priorities for the innovative development of the territory is proposed. A distinctive feature of the author's recommendations is the use of SMART principles, which allow assessing potential stakeholders not only from the standpoint of the availability of relevant characteristics and level of development, but also the degree of their interest and level of willingness to interact in the interests of the region, as well as taking into account "digital competencies". 4. The features of the creation and operation of a digital platform for the interaction of strategic planning participants at the regional level in achieving innovative priorities are examined. The basic tasks of the proposed platform are highlighted, allowing not only to increase awareness, but also to involve participants in the innovation process in their effective interaction.