Innovation is a major driver of sustainable growth in modern economies. Innovation performance depends on the existing business environment and the implementation of appropriate policies. UNECE has been supporting the efforts of national authorities in countries with economies in transition to encourage innovation and increase the efficiency of national innovation systems through a series of policy advisory services and follow-up capacity-building activities.

The Innovation Performance Review of Ukraine was launched on 31 October at the headquarters of the State Agency on Science, Innovation and Informatisation. The Review, conducted by a group of international experts, provides a critical examination of the country’s National Innovation System, i.e. the institutional framework for innovation policy and the various mechanisms and instruments of public support for innovation. On the basis of this broad assessment, policy options and recommendations are offered to improve innovation performance. The Deputy Chairman of the State Agency on Science, Innovation and Informatisation, Victor Ivchenko, underlined the comprehensive character of the Review, which provides, for the first time, an integrated and independent assessment of innovation performance in the country.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between UNECE and the State Agency on Science, Innovation and Informatisation, is currently being discussed as a framework for advice and capacity building to support the implementation of the recommendations from the Review.

The Innovation Performance Review of Ukraine is the third in a series of policy assessments in countries with economies in transition, which were carried out earlier in Belarus and Kazakhstan.  The Innovation Performance Review of Armenia is expected to be completed in early 2014.