Odessa region today demonstrates much more than the tourist potential. The region is gradually forming a new model of development, which is based on the cooperation of business, communities, science and development institutions around unique local assets.

Within the framework of the #Cluster4regions, implemented with the support of the UCORD project, there was an acquaintance with the key points of economic growth in the region and the prospects of their cluster development.

Kuyalnik – more than a resort

One of the strongest assets in the region is the Kuyalnytsya estuary. Its potential goes far beyond recreation or seasonal tourism.

An ecosystem is already being formed around Kuyalnik, whichCombines rehabilitation, medical rehabilitation, wellness, tourism, science, local business and communities. This model is in line with global trends in economic developmentI create the preconditions for the emergence of a powerful cluster capable of working for the development of not only a separate territory, but also the entire region.

During the meetings with representatives of the Milky Way initiative, local entrepreneurs and partners paid special attention to the opportunities to form the business core of the future cluster, around which theThe key participants in the ecosystem unite.

Winemaking and gastronomy: from a tourist product to a cluster model

An important area of work was the analysis of the potential of winemaking and gastronomic tourism as a basis for the formation of a new regional ecosystem of cooperation.

It was within the framework of the Tastes of the South project, which is being implemented under the leadership of Pavel Yarm, that we managed to get acquainted in more detail with the potential of the Tairov community and assess the opportunities for the development of cluster initiatives in the field of winemaking, gastronomy and tourism.

During the visit there was a communication with three keyThe unions that are already forming the basis of the future ecosystem of wine tourism in the region: ‘Frumushika-Nova’, ‘The Wine and Taste of Ukrainian Bessarabia’ and the initiative ‘Wine Cluster’, which is working on creating a wine cluster in the Bolgrad district.

Visiting the VE Tairov Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking, the first winery station and acquaintance with local producers confirmed that the region has all the necessary components to create a competitive cluster model of development: production traditions, tourism resources, active entrepreneurs and readiness for cooperation.

Of particular value is the fact that some initiatives are already moving from promoting territories to the formation of stable partnerships between business, communities, producers and the tourism sector. It is on this basis that competitive clusters can emerge that can create new added value for the region and ensure its long-term development.

Clustering as a tool for development of territories

Working meetings with representatives of business, cluster initiatives, regional development agencies of Odessa region and local communities have confirmed that several promising areas have already been formed in the region, around which full-fledged clusters can develop.

Among them:

• tourism, recreation and rehabilitation around Kuyalnyk;
• winemaking and gastronomy;
• The sphere of healthme and the quality of life;
• Technological and IT ecosystems.

Within the framework of the #Cluster4regions mentoring program, work has already begun on identifying key stakeholders, finding common interests and forming a business core for future cluster initiatives. It is the presence of active enterprises ready for cooperation and a common strategic vision, is the basis of successful cluster development.

from potential to joint action

Discussions within the IT Wave Conference and the All-Ukrainian Forum of Techsynergy Technological Clusters were also an important element of the visit, where modern approaches to the development of regional ecosystems and strengthening of business were also discussed.units.

According to Olesya Khaletska, the mentor of the #Cluster4regions program and the executive director of the Lviv Medical Business Cluster, the greatest value of the cluster approach is the ability to turn some successful initiatives into holistic development ecosystems, which create long-term benefits for the region.

Today, Odesa region has all the prerequisites to become one of the leaders in cluster development in Ukraine. Unique natural resources, strong entrepreneurial potential, active communities and willingness to cooperate create a solid foundation for new partnerships.

And most importantly – this process has already begun. New SVs are formedconnections, common priorities are determined and the basis is laid for business-oriented clusters, which in the future may become drivers of economic development of Odesa region.