INTERNATIONAL AQUACULTURE CLUSTERS: PROSPECTS OF INTERACTION IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBALISATION

Abstract

The article expounds on the conceptual underpinnings that govern the formation and evolution of international clusters within the broader context of globalisation and European integration. The purpose of the article is to study the issues of the formation and development of international aquaculture clusters in the conditions of globalization and European integration, to substantiate the creation of an international aquaculture cluster and the possibility of its integration into European industrial ecosystems. The methodological basis of the research is the investigation of scientists specialising in the formation and development of international clusters. These scientists have studied various aspects of the functioning of the clusters, their structure, interaction among the participants and the impact on economic development. The general scientific techniques and research methods: logical method (to clarify the concept of "cluster", "international cluster", as well as to determine their relationship and clarify the main characteristics of the clusters); historical method (to study the evolution of the concept of clustering, as well as to analyse the development of international clusters in different regions of the world); comparative method (to compare clustering models in different countries and regions, which made it possible to identify the features of successful cluster initiatives and apply the knowledge gained for the development of international clusters); case method (to analyze specific examples of existing international clusters, which allowed a deeper look at the practical aspects of their formation, functioning and development, and to study real cases of successful international aquaculture clusters); structural method (to build the organisational structure of the international aquaculture cluster in Ukraine, which allowed to study the interaction and organisation of all participants, as well as to identify the main elements that will contribute to the effective functioning of this cluster); statistical method (to study the export parameters of fish, fish products and other aquatic bioresources of Ukraine from 2018 to 2023, identify trends, factors affecting exports, and also predict future changes in this area). The advent of methodologies for defining clustering, and their subsequent generalisation, has enabled the identification of international aquaculture clusters as associations of companies, organisations, research institutes and other participants specialising in aquaculture (i.e., the cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, molluscs, algae, etc.). The primary objectives of these clusters are the development of innovations, the augmentation of efficiency, the reduction of environmental impact and the improvement of production practices in aquaculture. The author presents a cogent argument for the establishment of an international aquaculture cluster in Ukraine, and the potential for its integration into the European Union. The establishment of an international aquaculture cluster in Ukraine holds considerable potential for the nation's advancement, ensuring economic growth, food security, job creation, increased exports, and the strengthening of international relations. The establishment of such an association would facilitate Ukraine's utilisation of natural resources and facilitate its integration into the global economy, thereby creating opportunities for the sustainable development of aquaculture. The integration of an international aquaculture cluster into EU countries has been demonstrated to hold significant potential and to offer numerous opportunities for the development of the economy, ecology and sustainable production. The integration of the international aquaculture cluster into the EU countries has the potential to yield numerous benefits, including access to high quality standards and environmental certification, joint research and innovation, access to European markets, increased efficiency through co-operation, promotion of sustainable development and environmental responsibility, investment and financing, improved education and skills, regulation and political support.