General Assembly of UСA 2025: Kharkiv IT Cluster — Leader of the Cluster Movement in Ukraine
IT ClusterKharkiv IT Cluster is actively developing Ukraine’s IT sector by introducing new ideas and strengthening collaboration between business, education, and government. At the 2025 General Assembly of the Ukrainian Cluster Alliance (UCA), the community shared its achievements and best practices.
The Ukrainian Cluster Alliance (UСA) unites regional and sectoral clusters to foster innovation and integrate Ukraine into the global economy. Kharkiv IT Cluster is an active member of UСA, and Olga Shapoval, the Executive Director, serves on the alliance’s board. Her leadership role highlights the significance of Kharkiv IT Cluster in the development of the cluster movement and innovation both in Ukraine and internationally.
UСA 2025 General Assembly: Kharkiv IT Cluster’s Experience and Cases
The UСA General Assembly is an annual event that brings together cluster representatives from across Ukraine to review work, exchange experiences, and define strategic development directions.
This year, 15 clusters from various regions of Ukraine participated, including: Cluster of manufacturers of medical products «ProMedMan», Ukrainian Industrial Cluster, Thermal Energy Cluster of Ukraine, Prykarpattia Industrial Cluster, Podillia Fashion Cluster, Zaporizhzhia Cluster «EAM», Rivne Interregional Medical Cluster, Lviv Cluster of Medical Business, Vinnytsia Automation and Instrument Making and Cluster, International Agro-Tourism Cluster «Dniester 1362» and others.
Kharkiv IT Cluster emerged as one of the leaders of the cluster movement at the UСA 2025 General Assembly and presented its best practices, which have become an example of successful support for both the IT sector and society in general.
Presented Initiatives
🔹 IT Company Support Program in Crisis Conditions
Kharkiv IT Cluster developed a program to stabilize IT businesses in Ukraine. In 2024, our team processed over 3,400 requests from members, conducted more than 950 consultations, and introduced a personalized support system for members.
🔹 Development of IT Education: Preparing New Generations of Specialists
Kharkiv IT Cluster actively develops educational initiatives and engages youth in the IT sector. In 2024 alone:
- over 30,000 participants joined educational initiatives;
- 49 universities are involved in project networks;
- 2,205 career guidance events were organized;
- 8.5 million users accessed our Applicant Portal.
Additionally, new training formats were launched, such as career guidance cartoons for preschoolers, career consultations for youth, and intensives for future IT leaders.
🔹 Development of International Partnerships and Integration into the Global IT Market
Kharkiv IT Cluster is expanding international cooperation and currently unites partners from 18 countries. In 2024, we received the ECEI Bronze Label for high cluster management standards.
At the UCA Assembly, Kharkiv IT Cluster shared its collaboration experience with European organizations such as EU4Digital and key initiatives promoting Ukraine’s integration into the global IT market:
- IT Bridge — international collaboration, expanding opportunities for IT companies, and enhancing client exports through the initiative.
- Eastern Ukraine EDIH, created to improve the competitiveness of 80.3 thousand SMEs in the manufacturing, agricultural, and energy sectors.
🔹 Advocacy for IT Industry Interests and Business Environment Development
In 2024, the organization worked on improving strategies and legislative initiatives, including:
- e-booking for IT specialists;
- amendments to startup regulations;
- collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Digital Transformation, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Veterans, National Qualifications Agency, NAQA, the Ukrainian Research Fund on digitalization and IT sector development;
- advocacy for the Ukraine Innovation Development Strategy until 2030.
🔹 Social Responsibility and Support for the Country
Kharkiv IT Cluster implements a number of charity initiatives:
- regular support for 46 military units;
- assistance to 15 hospitals in Kharkiv and the region;
- provision of clothing and food to 6,500 people in dormitories.
These projects are part of a large-scale social program that supports not only the IT business but also society as a whole.
Cluster Consolidation Directions in 2025
Olga Shapoval was a speaker at one of the panel discussions dedicated to cluster consolidation in 2025. The main topics of discussion included:
- implementation of quality standards for clusters to promote international development;
- ensuring the dual transition of SMEs, helping companies adapt to new technologies without harmful environmental impact;
- support and recovery of frontline regions, promoting the restoration of local economies and the creation of new jobs;
- expanding international cooperation through EDIH and other EU initiatives, opening new horizons for Ukrainian enterprises on the global stage.
Kharkiv IT Cluster shared successful cases and practical solutions that can serve as a model for other clusters in the development and strengthening of the sector.
Kharkiv IT Cluster — A Model of Resilience and International Integration
Kharkiv IT Cluster demonstrates high resilience and adaptability, even in the most challenging times. Thanks to active cooperation with partners and the implementation of modern standards, we have secured our position as one of Ukraine’s most successful clusters.
We invite organizations to join us in our collaborative efforts. Together, we can create more innovations, support talents, and strengthen Ukraine’s position on the international stage!
