The organizers of the conference included:

• State University of Trade and Economics (Ukraine)
• National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute"
• Union of Entrepreneurs of Small, Medium and Privatized Enterprises of Ukraine
• Public Organization "Ukrainian Women’s Guard"
• Academy of Applied Sciences in Poznań (Poland)
• Academy of Applied Sciences in Konin (Poland)
• University of Rzeszów (Poland)
• University of the National Education Commission (Poland)
• Technical University (Moldova)
• University of Naples Federico II (Italy)
• University of Perugia (Italy)

The conference gathered over 100 participants, including representatives of the academic community - leading scholars and educators from higher education institutions in Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, and Italy - as well as top specialists from Ukrainian trade companies.

The conference was opened by Anatolii MAZARAKI, Rector of the State University of Trade and Economics, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor, and Academician of the National Academy of Educational Sciences of Ukraine.

Welcome speeches were delivered by:

• Olha KORENIUK, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management, and Psychology, PhD in Law, Associate Professor;
• Paulina KOLISNICHENKO, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation of the Academy of Applied Sciences in Poznań, Doctor of Economic Sciences (Poland);
• Hanna BLAKYTA, Head of the Department of Enterprise Economics and Finance, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor.

Key conference speakers included:

• Oleksandr BILETSKYI, CEO of SHERP, Adviser to the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine;
• Vyacheslav BYKOVETS, General Director of the Union of Entrepreneurs of Small, Medium, and Privatized Enterprises of Ukraine;
• Tetiana CHERNIAVSKA, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor at the Academy of Applied Sciences in Konin (Poland);
• Halyna ZAPSHA, Head of the Management Department at Odesa State Agrarian University, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor;
• Olha VOVK, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor of the Department of Economic Cybernetics at the National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute";
• Andrii SHYNKOVYCH, Doctoral Candidate, Associate Professor of the Department of Public Administration and Management at the State University of Trade and Economics, PhD in Economics, Member of the 8th Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine;
• Oleksii PANASENKO, Deputy General Director for Operations at NOVUS Ukraine LLC (NOVUS retail chain);
• Valeriia TARASOVA, Head of the Recruitment Department at Omega LLC (Varus retail chain);
• Iryna VYSOCHYN, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor of the Department of Enterprise Economics and Finance at the State University of Trade and Economics.

The event addressed a broad range of pressing economic and social issues faced by Ukraine amid war and transformation. Special attention was devoted to the role of small and medium-sized enterprises, the implementation of innovative and digital solutions, and the adaptation of Ukrainian companies to crisis conditions. Speakers shared their experiences in ensuring business resilience in sectors such as retail, logistics, and agriculture, highlighting the importance of cooperation between science, education, and entrepreneurship. Particular focus was given to the development of veteran-owned businesses, national food policy, and the prospects for macroeconomic recovery amid security challenges. The presentations reflected a deep understanding of modern challenges and a strong commitment to sustainable development and global integration in the process of Ukraine's recovery.

Iryna Vysochyn
Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor
Department of Enterprise Economics and Finance