A Modern Model of United Territorial Communities as a Factor of Business Development in Rural Areas: European-Ukrainian Realities

The purpose of the article is to investigate and describe the main trends in business development in rural areas in the context of Ukraine’s European integration prospects; identify the conditions, directions, and tools for setting up a rural business. Modern problems of Ukraine’s rural areas are characterized. It is proved that increasing the efficiency of the agricultural sector is a key factor for strengthening the economic potential of territorial communities. Main positive trends in the export of agricultural products of Ukraine, their impact on business development in rural areas are analyzed. The priority measures for innovative development of the agri-food sector are highlighted. Attention is focused on elaboration of alternative schemes for organizing rural development, which ensures diversification of employment and sources of income. The types of non-agricultural employment in rural areas are presented. The conditions, promising areas, tools for creating and developing business in rural areas are determined with regard to European practices. The need for stimulating local initiatives to unleash the potential of agricultural production and business, in order to fully use favorable for Ukraine conditions in the world agricultural market, is substantiated. It is argued that positive changes in the development of rural areas of Ukraine can be achieved by investing in innovation, support for business, human capital. Using the example of activities of united territorial communities (UTC) of Zhytomyr region, a system of measures for business development in rural areas is presented.