The 2nd Ukrainian Forum: Developing Ukraine’s Intellectual Capital

The event brought together over 150 participants from across Ukraine — like-minded individuals who understand that human intellect and innovation are the key to the country’s future. As planned, the forum became a platform for dialogue, partnerships, and inspiration.

The Vinnytsia Automation and Instrument Making Cluster (AIM Cluster) and its members joined the event as partners and active supporters of this development vector.

💬 The forum was opened by Roman Melnyk, Rector of INTITA University, who outlined the vision of the next-generation Vinnytsia Technological University as a hub for intellect, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

💬 Viktor Slobodyanyuk, representing Plasmatec, explained his company’s involvement in establishing INTITA University: "Only strong intellect can prevail — we must support Ukrainian youth who strive to break through in today’s tough world and ensure they have access to quality education here in Ukraine."

💬 Ivan Vekirchyk, co-founder of KNESS and INTITA University, spoke about entrepreneurship in today’s realities: "Ukraine needs entrepreneurs with meaning. In times of crisis, it’s not the wealthiest who win, but those who bring meaning into action!"

💬 Nadiia Lysietska, from Business People Club, shared her vision of the Ukrainian League for Intellectual Capital Development as a coordination center for strategic efforts: "Those who create knowledge, those who transmit values, and those who make decisions — must stop working in parallel and start acting together!"

💬 Vladyslav Skalskyi, Deputy Mayor of Vinnytsia, defined the core theme: "Investment in human capital is the only true capital of a community."

💬 Yurii Klymenko, Director of the AIM Cluster, took part in the panel discussion “Innovation as the Foundation of Stability and Peace” and emphasized that business associations have not only an economic, but also a social mission — to foster a culture of cooperation and support. It is precisely the collaboration among all players that creates the foundation for an innovation ecosystem, which can be provided by next-generation science-industrial parks.

💬 Volodymyr Merezhko, from the Vinnytsia Business Club, stressed in his speech on the role of innovation in economic stability: “Those who do not search for new paths deepen their limitations.”

💬 Andrii Kavunets, representing the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration, focused more on meaning: “Today’s investments in educational innovation will help us overcome tomorrow’s challenges.”

Throughout the forum — both in panel sessions and informal conversations — participants discussed:

▪️ the future of education and new approaches to its transformation,

▪️ how to reboot the education system,

▪️ the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the labor market,

▪️ the emergence of new professions,

▪️ the need for innovation ecosystems,

▪️ and above all — investment in human capital as a strategic resource for the state.

✔️ Intellectual capital is the core resource of both our present and our future. Let’s keep moving forward!