STRATEGIC ROLE OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ENHANCING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF FOOD INDUSTRY ENTERPRISES AND STRENGTHENING OF UKRAINE'S FOOD SECURITY

Abstract

The article examines the theoretical and methodological foundations of the formation and development of the circular economy as a strategic economic model capable of enhancing the competitiveness of food industry enterprises and strengthening of Ukraine’s food security. The relevance of the study is determined by the need to adapt enterprises to current economic, resource, environmental, and geopolitical challenges through the transition from a linear model of resource use to circular principles of production organization. The genesis of the circular economy concept is analyzed, the evolution of scientific views is summarized, contemporary approaches to defining its essence are systematized, and the author’s interpretation of the concept of the «circular economy» is proposed. The contribution of foreign and Ukrainian scholars to the development of circular economy theory is examined, and the common and distinctive features of the main scientific approaches are identified. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of the 3R – 10R models, and the advantages of the 9R model as the most comprehensive framework for the practical implementation of circular economy principles are substantiated. A comparative analysis of the linear, green, bio-, and circular models of economic development is conducted. The study demonstrates that the implementation of circular principles promotes the integrated use of raw materials, reduces the material and energy intensity, fosters the development of innovative technologies, improves resource efficiency, and creates sustainable competitive advantages for food industry enterprises. The relationship between the development of the circular economy, the modernization of the food industry, and the strengthening of Ukraine’s food security is substantiated through improved efficiency in the use of natural resources, reduced food losses, the development of circular value chains, and enhanced export potential. The practical significance of the research lies in the possibility of applying its findings to the development of the strategies for the circular transformation of food industry enterprises, the formulation of public policy in the field of resource efficiency, and the strengthening of Ukraine’s food security.