BUSINESS ENTITIES IN STRATEGIC SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive scientific analysis of the legal nature and functional characteristics of enterprises of strategic importance to the economy and security of Ukraine under the legal regime of martial law. The relevance of the study is driven by the transformation of the business sector from a profit-generating instrument into a fundamental pillar of national resilience. Within this fragile stability system, a particular responsibility rests on the strategic sector, as enterprises in strategic industries serve as the foundation of national security. They not only meet the critical needs of the front and the rear – ranging from energy supply and communications to arms production – but also act as "stabilizers" for the entire financial system. The study identifies a critical gap in Ukraine's current legislation, specifically the absence of a unified definition for the term "enterprise of strategic importance for the economy and security of the state." Particular attention is paid to the protection of human capital as a "living" element of resilience. The author argues that the deferment (reservation) of highly specialized personnel should be viewed not as a privilege, but as an integral component of state defense planning. It is substantiated that the combination of personnel stability, decentralization of energy supply, and enhanced cybersecurity is essential for these enterprises to fulfill their role as pillars of national security. Ukraine's strategic guidelines correspond with modern EU industrial policy. Policy documents of leading European nations share a common vector: an innovative development path, environmental sustainability of production, and the attraction of private investment. The modification of the EU Industrial Strategy opens opportunities for Ukraine to implement joint production and innovation projects. At the current stage, strategic assets urgently require technological modernization and investment certainty. Given the high security risks, the author proposes the implementation of effective war risk insurance mechanisms for foreign partners and the stimulation of joint ventures. This will facilitate the integration of domestic production into international supply chains, primarily in the defense and energy sectors. Legal transparency, process digitalization, and corporate governance reform are identified as fundamental conditions for ensuring business resilience against contemporary challenges.