INSTRUMENTS FOR STIMULATING INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF FOOD INDUSTRY ENTERPRISES

Abstract

In the context of modern challenges, innovative development has become a key prerequisite for the stable operation and further growth of food industry enterprises. To maintain competitiveness and support consumer loyalty, enterprises continuously monitor market trends, improve existing products, and implement innovative solutions, thereby expanding their product range. Systematic improvements enable them to maintain leading market positions and create additional competitive advantages, thereby contributing to the retention and growth of their market share in the industry. Considering that enterprise activities take place under a combination of crisis factors – martial law, disruption of logistics chains, reduced consumer purchasing power, and a decrease in the number of consumers – the search for effective innovative tools capable of ensuring the further development of enterprises, taking into account achieved growth results and existing potential, becomes particularly relevant. Addressing this problem requires a reconsideration of approaches to implementing innovative solutions and the development of effective mechanisms for their practical realization. In this context, the importance of identifying and analyzing tools that stimulate innovation activity while simultaneously accelerating technological, managerial, and organizational transformation processes within enterprises is increasing. In particular, this involves the use of internal mechanisms (strategic innovation management, crowdsourcing, digital platforms, research and innovation centers) as well as external levers (government support, international projects, integration into innovation clusters, and public-private partnership instruments). The application of the innovation impact matrix proposed by the author enables a phased selection of tools, taking into account resource requirements and the scale of transformations, thereby ensuring alignment between the enterprise’s development stages and its innovation potential. A strategic combination of innovative instruments generates a multiplicative effect, encompassing all levels of enterprise operations – from day-to-day processes to strategic management – and establishes a foundation for informed decision-making and the achievement of long-term industry competitiveness.