PROBLEM ASPECTS OF THE FUNCTIONING OF REGIONAL LABOR MARKETS IN THE CARPATHIAN REGION OF UKRAINE AND TOOLS FOR OVERCOMING THEM

Abstract

Abstract. The article investigates the functioning of regional labor markets in the Carpathian region of Ukraine under conditions of war-related shocks and structural economic transformation. The purpose of the study is to identify the key problematic aspects and structural imbalances in regional labor markets and to substantiate an effective toolkit of state regional policy instruments aimed at overcoming them.

The research reveals a set of interrelated challenges, including persistent mismatches between labor supply and demand, migration losses and demographic aging, rising unemployment and job destruction, deindustrialization, low investment and innovation activity, and employment instability. These factors contribute to structural unemployment, inefficient use of labor potential, declining productivity, and increased social vulnerability in local labor markets.

Special attention is paid to the specific characteristics of the Carpathian region, a border and partly mountainous territory that has become a host region for internally displaced persons, intensifying pressure on employment systems and social infrastructure.

To address the identified challenges, the article substantiates a comprehensive system of regional policy instruments, including active labor market measures (vocational retraining, skills upgrading, and support for entrepreneurship), support programs for small and medium-sized enterprises, financial incentives for job creation, development of sectoral and cluster initiatives, strengthening of social partnership, and the introduction of digital platforms for labor market monitoring and coordination of education with regional economic needs.

The implementation of these measures will enhance the resilience, adaptability, and structural modernization of regional labor markets in the context of post-war recovery.

Keywords: region, Carpathian region, labor market, imbalances, vocational education and training, structural characteristics, labor supply and demand, employment, unemployment, local labor markets, regional development, regional policy, regulatory instruments.