On 1 July 2025, SumDU hosted the second strategic session on the Local Cluster Development Program for Sumy Oblast. The event brought together representatives of regional authorities, business, scientific institutions, public organizations, and experts.

The cluster development program is a strategic document aimed at strengthening the local economic potential with developing an innovative ecosystem and integrating local businesses into global value chains. It is a result of broad partnership between government agencies, businesses, educational and scientific institutions. Here, SumDU plays a key role as the local leading scientific and educational center.

SumDU is one of key participants in development and implementation of the Program. The university provides scientific and analytical support for the clustering process. The university serves as a platform for developing innovative solutions, startups, dual education, and training of cluster managers. The working group for the Program development includes four representatives of SumDU: Vladyslav KONDUS (head of the Research Department, secretary of the working group), Fedir ZHURAVKA (professor of the Department of International Economic Relations), Ihor REKUNENKO (head of the Oleh Balatskyi Department of Management), Mykola SOTNYK (head of the Department of Applied Hydroaeromechanics).

During the strategic session, Vladyslav KONDUS presented the first program draft. Approaches to monitoring its implementation were agreed upon, and a roadmap for implementation was discussed. Special attention was paid to sectors identified as priorities for the Sumy Oblast within smart specialization: energy engineering, agro-industrial complex, light industry.

The Program provides for the launch of new projects in cooperation with regional enterprises, international donors, and local communities.

The program is being implemented as part of the Clusters4Regions initiative under support of the Ukrainian Ministry of Economy, the Ukrainian Cluster Alliance, and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. It ensures integration of regional policy into national goals for sustainable development, digital transformation, and economic recovery.