NUTS AS A PRIORITY CONCEPT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF TERRITORIAL UNITS OF UKRAINE

This research paper examines the significance of regional statistics within the institutional framework for integrated development. Focusing on Ukraine, the author compares its regional statistics standards with those of Europe, highlighting the importance of aligning with EU standards to facilitate the implementation of common policies and procedures at the regional level. By analyzing the current methodological inconsistencies between Ukrainian regional statistics and NUTS standards, particularly in light of the country's administrative-territorial reform, the paper identifies key challenges in territorial development. These challenges include the need for industry-specific data to inform strategic specialization (S3), the importance of statistical criteria for identifying problem areas, the assessment of disparities in district and regional development, and the establishment of internal mechanisms for state bodies to effec