Digital determinants of the development of innovative clusters of its enterprises: a structural–functional approach

The subject of the research is the theoretical aspects of digital determinants that influence the formation, development, and functioning of innovative clusters in the field of information technology, as well as their structural and functional interrelationships in the system of territorial organization of the IT economy.
The aim of the research is to substantiate a structural and functional approach to the analysis of digital factors that determine the effectiveness of the development of innovative IT clusters, as well as the mechanism of their interaction in the context of the digital transformation of the economy.
Research methods. The study is based on an interdisciplinary approach: theoretical analysis of scientific works, comparative analysis of cluster development practices in different countries, and synthesis of information from open sources. A structural–functional method was used to describe the cluster system (as a set of elements with their own functions), as well as artificial intelligence tools to classify factors at different levels. Review and empirical materials were used, and a systematic approach was applied to illustrate the impact of the identified digital determinants.
Results of the investigation. The article examines the digital determinants of the development of innovative clusters of IT enterprises from the perspective of a structural–functional approach. The theoretical foundations of innovation clustering are analyzed, and the structural components and functions of IT clusters are identified. A classification of digital determinants (infrastructure, human capital, innovation ecosystem, government initiatives, international integration, security, etc.) is developed. The influence of digital factors on the development of IT clusters at the macro (government policy and strategies), meso (regulated initiatives and regional programs), and micro levels (digital technologies in the activities of individual companies) is considered. A comparative analysis with international models (Poland, Singapore, Estonia, Israel) is provided. 
Scope of the results. Public administration; Business environment; Educational and scientific institutions; Regional development.
Conclusions. As a result, a number of measures were proposed: strengthening national digital initiatives – it is necessary to ensure the integration of national strategies with cluster support programs, creating intergovernmental platforms for coordination of actions; support for cluster infrastructure – it is recommended to stimulate the creation of regional data centers, 5G networks, and shared cloud services so that all cluster participants have access to modern IT infrastructure; Educational and human resources programs – develop joint educational projects within clusters, draw on international experience to improve the qualifications of specialists. Public–private partnerships – the state should involve clusters more in the development of technology parks and start–up centers. IT cluster associations can act as key partners for local authorities in the digital transformation of regions; compliance with cybersecurity standards – data protection and cybersecurity should be ensured within cluster initiatives, as the trust of businesses and investors in digital solutions is critical to the sustainability of clusters. Thus, these recommendations are based on a common understanding that IT clusters act as a «connecting link» between businesses, universities, and research centers, promoting technological development and digital transformation. Therefore, strengthening digital determinants at all levels (macro, meso, micro) will make clusters more adaptive and innovation–effective, consolidating Ukraine’s position in the global tech space.
Prospects for further research include the following: modeling the digital ecosystem of an innovative IT cluster; researching the interrelations between digital security and the sustainable functioning of IT clusters; assessing the impact of artificial intelligence and cloud technologies on the productivity of cluster associations; developing indicators of the effectiveness of digital determinants for IT clusters in the national and global context.