UCL School of Management recently hosted Entrepreneurial Networks as a Driver of Ukraine’s Recovery, an event exploring how entrepreneurship and international partnerships can support the priorities of the UK–Ukraine 100 Year Partnership Agreement, signed in January 2025.
Bringing together academics, entrepreneurs, policymakers and representatives from innovation organisations across the United Kingdom, Ukraine and Germany, the event explored how long-term political commitments could be translated into practical collaboration between universities, businesses, governments and civil society.
Supported by UCL Grand Challenges and the UK–Ukraine ResearchBridge Amplification Grant, this event formed part of the ongoing collaboration between University College London (UCL) and Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University (VNU). It also built on the School’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s recovery through entrepreneurship.
ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORKS AND DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT
Drawing on findings from her research into refugee entrepreneurship, Dr Nataliia Hrytsiuk, MSCA4Ukraine Postdoctoral Fellow at UCL School of Management, highlighted how trusted professional networks, international collaboration and access to entrepreneurial ecosystems may shape entrepreneurial engagement with Ukraine. Her research indicates that the Ukrainian diaspora could play an important role in Ukraine’s long-term recovery, particularly by maintainingprofessional, economic and social connections across borders.
The discussion explored how these international connections can facilitate investment, knowledge exchange and business collaboration, reinforcing the idea that rebuilding Ukraine will depend not only on financial investment, but also on strengthening relationships between people, institutions and industries.
Dr Nataliia Hrytsiuk said “Ukraine’s recovery will depend not only on investment, but also on the relationships connecting entrepreneurs, researchers and institutions across borders. Our emerging findings indicate that trusted networks and access to entrepreneurial ecosystems can help displaced Ukrainian entrepreneurs remain connected to Ukraine and contribute to its long-term development.”
INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Professor Olena Ivashko, from the Department of Finance at Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, delivered a keynote examining Ukraine’s macroeconomic adaptation during wartime and reflected on the importance of institutional partnerships in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge exchange.
Dr Tetiana Sak, Head of the Department of Marketing at Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, presented research involving Ukrainian migrant entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom, with findings indicating that many participants intend to expand their businesses internationally while maintaining long-term economic engagement with Ukraine. Her findings highlighted how international entrepreneurial networks may support recovery through investment, knowledge exchange and access to global markets.
Dr Valentyna Oberemchuk, Associate Professor at Kyiv National Economic University representing Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg, shared her research examining entrepreneurial decision-making during wartime. She explored how Ukrainian entrepreneurs have adapted their strategies in response to unprecedented challenges, illustrating how entrepreneurship can serve not only as a driver of economic activity, but also as a source of resilience and social cohesion.
THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
Reflecting on the role of higher education in addressing global challenges, Dr Onyaglanu Idoko, Lecturer at the UCL Institute for Global Prosperity and Co-Lead of UKRI-funded innovation projects, discussed how universities are increasingly acting as conveners of research, education, entrepreneurship, public policy and innovation to create economic and social impact.
Pierre-Jean (PJ) Hanard, School Lead for Entrepreneurship at UCL School of Management, who co-founded the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for Ukraine Lecture Series with Dr Nataliia Hrytsiuk, said:
“Universities have a strategic role to play in supporting Ukraine’s long-term recovery. At UCL School of Management, we are committed to applying our expertise in entrepreneurship and education to create practical opportunities for collaboration. By connecting entrepreneurs, researchers and institutions across borders, we can help strengthen the networks, skills and businesses that will contribute to Ukraine’s economic recovery and social resilience.”
The panel discussion expanded on these themes, exploring the implementation of the UK–Ukraine 100 Year Partnership Agreement, the role of entrepreneurship in reconstruction and long-term recovery, and how universities can help build resilient innovation ecosystems through research, education and international collaboration.
The event concluded with a networking reception, providing attendees with the opportunity to develop connections and explore potential collaboration in research, entrepreneurship education and academic mobility.
The discussion highlighted the role universities can play as platforms for international cooperation, connecting people, ideas and institutions to support innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.
The School thanks all speakers, participants and partner institutions for their continued support for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs for Ukraine Lecture Series.
