Financial and Innovative Transformation of the Food Industry and Mechanisms for the Formation and Implementation on the Path of Ukraine’s European Integration

The article analyzes the mechanisms of financial and innovative transformation of Ukraine’s food industry in the context of European integration. The research focuses on two key aspects: identifying the main barriers that limit the growth of the industry’s competitiveness and forming effective tools to overcome them in accordance with the standards and regulatory requirements of the European Union. Within the research, a systematization of the main theoretical and methodological approaches to transformational processes has been conducted, a comparative analysis of national and European experiences has been carried out, key problem areas that hinder development have been identified, and a set of recommendations oriented towards State policy, the business environment, and the scientific-educational sector has been formulated. The methodology of the research is based on comparative analysis, SWOT analysis, thematic studies, structural-logical modeling, and systematization of scientific approaches. Several problems have been identified, including: critical wear of fixed assets (up to 70%), fragmentation of innovative activities, lack of long-term capital, and the impact of external destabilizing factors, particularly war and increasing pressure from European integration. In response to these challenges, a comprehensive model of transformation support has been proposed, encompassing the State structure (institutional policy, standardization, educational strategy), the entrepreneurial level (innovation roadmaps, digital management, cluster cooperation), and the scientific sector (commercialization of research, dual education, international cooperation). Clearly, special attention is paid to the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies (artificial intelligence, blockchain, automation) through government incentives. These include tax benefits, insurance for innovative projects, and government guarantees with low interest rates. The proposal involves the creation of agro-industrial technological hubs and sectoral technological parks, as well as facilitating direct access for Ukrainian enterprises to Horizon Europe, DIGITAL Europe, and other EU financial platforms. The recommendations of the study are comprehensive and take into account the needs of all stakeholders, including government bodies, small and medium enterprises, and the scientific community. Successful financial and innovative transformation of the food industry requires coordinated cooperation among sectors, adaptation of global mechanisms to the national context, and strategic use of European resources and opportunities.