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RESEARCH CENTRE FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS of NAS of Ukraine (KHARKIV, UKRAINE)

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ID R30-03156

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Liburkina L. M.

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The Mechanisms for Scaling UAV Production in Ukraine
Kyzym M. O., Danko A. T.

Kyzym, Mykola O., and Danko, Andrii T. (2026) “The Mechanisms for Scaling UAV Production in Ukraine.” Business Inform 3:156–169.
https://doi.org/10.32983/2222-4459-2026-3-156-169

Section: Innovative Processes

Article is written in Ukrainian
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UDC 338.45:355.4(477)

Abstract:
The aim of the article is to substantiate and systematize the mechanisms of production scaling as a key component of the innovative development of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturers in Ukraine. The research methodology is based on an integrated approach that combines the theoretical synthesis of management conceptions (resource orchestration, dynamic capabilities, ecosystem interaction) and empirical analysis. Primary data were collected through automated parsing of open web resources of 48 companies and an in-depth analysis of a target sample of 8 key enterprises of various organizational types (SBU, spin-offs, and industry-transformed enterprises). For the quantitative assessment of qualitative data, the authors' proprietary system of scaling markers (R-I-S-O-T-C-E) was applied, which includes the assessment of returns to scale, the level of resource internalization, the presence of serial procedures, operational manageability, reproducibility of patterns, complexity control, and alignment of external dependencies. The scientific novelty of the results lies in the development of an integrated scaling conception for emerging industries. It is proved that under conditions of high systemic uncertainty, scaling is not a simple linear growth but acts as a specific organizational capability. Three scaling mechanisms identified: procedural, template-based (reproduction of verified models), and platform-managed. The results obtained allow enterprises to conduct a self-audit of readiness for serial production, and government bodies (specifically Brave1 and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine) to differentiate support by scaling stage. Recommendations for improving State policy through the implementation of a «single scaling window» and staged innovative procurement have been formed. It is concluded in the article that the highest level of resilience in an emerging industry is provided by platform-managed scaling, which allows for combining high output volumes with the necessary product variability. State support must be integrated into a comprehensive policy mix covering the entire path from prototype to mass production.

Keywords: production scaling; UAV; innovative development; emerging industries; minimally viable innovation system; dynamic capabilities, ecosystem.

Tabl.: 8. Bibl.: 44.

Kyzym Mykola O. – Doctor of Sciences (Economics), Professor, Corresponding Member of NAS of Ukraine, Chief research scientist, Department of Industrial Policy and Energy Security, Research Centre for Industrial Problems of Development of NAS of Ukraine (2 floor 1-a Inzhenernyi Ln., Kharkiv, 61166, Ukraine)
Email: [email protected]
Danko Andrii T. – Postgraduate Student, Research Centre for Industrial Problems of Development of NAS of Ukraine (2 floor 1-a Inzhenernyi Ln., Kharkiv, 61166, Ukraine)
Email: [email protected]

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