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Regional Diversity: Comparing Industrial and Border Regions

Principal investigators: Dr. Oleksandr Zabirko and Prof. Dr. Thomas Steger

This research area focuses on analyzing the dynamics of industrial and border regions, with particular emphasis on the Donbas and the Black Sea region. 

Focus areas:

  • Cultural and Historical Specificity of Industrial Regions: How do regional characteristics influence the identity and developmental trajectory of industrial and border areas?
  • Globalization and Demodernization: Examining the impact of global transformation processes on the economic and social fabric of industrial regions
  • Transformation in Industrial Enterprises: Investigating the organizational and structural changes necessary for industrial companies to adapt to shifting economic and social landscapes
  • Participatory Structures: Exploring ways to effectively involve local communities in processes of change and regional development

Cooperations with Research Projects

All research projects

Sponsor:
German Federal Ministry for Education and Research
Management:
Dr. Oleksandr Zabirko and Dr. Alina Strzempa
Runtime:
2022-2026

Sponsor:
Chair of Leadership and Organisation, University of Regensburg
Management:
Dr. Andreas M. Hilger and Prof. Dr. Thomas Steger
Runtime:
2021-2026
The project analyses Ukrainian ICT (Information and Communication Technology) firms who have demonstrated remarkable resilience during the ongoing war, employing a range of strategies to adapt, survive, and even thrive in the challenging environment over the period from 2021 to 2025. Particularly escape-based internationalisation including a relocation of operations and shifts to becoming a footloose industry have proven successful. Many companies moved their staff and infrastructure to safer regions within Ukraine or to neighbouring countries. Due to their technological core competencies, Ukrainian firms are also forerunners in remote work adaptation. Leveraging the existing culture of remote work in the ICT industry, firms transitioned seamlessly to fully remote or hybrid models, ensuring continuity despite infrastructure disruptions.