Methodological Aspects for the Formation of a System of Indicators for Assessing Industrial Safety at the Regional Level

The study explores methodological approaches to the establishment of a system of indicators for evaluating industrial safety at the regional level. The theoretical foundations, principles and criteria for constructing an indicator system are determined, with consideration given to the regional specifics of the socio-economic development. The purpose of the paper is twofold: firstly, to provide a robust theoretical foundation for the development of a system of indicators for evaluating industrial safety at the regional level; and secondly, to empirically assess the efficacy of the proposed methodology by applying it to the Black Sea region of Ukraine. Methodology. The methodological basis of the study is modern approaches to assessing industrial safety, which are based on systemic, indicator and integral approaches. To achieve the goal, a set of complementary methods was applied: logical-theoretical method (to clarify the essence of the “industrial safety” concept and determine its place in the structure of economic security); analytical method (to generalise scientific approaches to building indicator systems); indicator method (to form a system of indicators for assessing industrial safety, taking into account their stimulating or discouraging impact); statistical method (to collect, process and analyze empirical data for the Black Sea regions); indicator normalisation method (to ensure their comparability); integral assessment method (to determine the generalized level of industrial safety of the regions); comparison method (to identify interregional differences and trends); tabular method (to systematise the results of the analysis and present the data in a form convenient for interpretation). Results. The proposed methodological model for the formation of a system of indicators for assessing industrial safety includes nine key indicators. These indicators reflect the state of the industrial and agricultural sectors, the level of energy efficiency, innovative activity, the technical condition of fixed assets, economic efficiency and food stability. The criteria for the rationing indicators (by types of stimulants and The determination of disincentives is accompanied by the construction of a scale for the assessment of safety levels. The testing of the methodology by the example of Odesa, Mykolaiv and Kherson regions has demonstrated its practical applicability for a comprehensive assessment of industrial safety in regions. The findings indicated substantial variations in safety levels across different regions, with a low level recorded in the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, and a critical level identified in Kherson. Practical importance. The developed methodology can be used to monitor and diagnose the state of industrial safety in regions, and to develop programmes for economic recovery and the strengthening of industrial potential. The proposed system of indicators provides a foundation for the further improvement of state regulatory mechanisms, the formation of regional security strategies, and the making of management decisions in the field of economic stability.