Smart Specializations from the Standpoint of Leading Schools of Economic Theory

Focus on smart specialization is a key element of regional development strategizing in Ukraine, which, for example, reflected the State Regional Development Strategy 2021-2027. But comparative analysis individual indicators economic EU, USA and China shows that itself not competitive advantage global scale. At same time, researchers note there gap between theory practice basis specialization. Although theoretical issues related to are overlooked by researchers, direct understanding processes from standpoint specific schools extremely limited. Therefore, goal study reduce essence concept leading theory. For analysis, classification was chosen, according which 9 distinguished: (1) Classical, (2) Neoclassical, (3) Marxist, (4) Developmentalist, (5) Austrian, (6) Schumpeterian, (7) Keynesian, (8) Institutionalist, (9) Behaviouralist. Of nine considered theory, almost half (Classical, Institutionalist) significantly influenced formation Smart has been moderately Marxist Keynesian schools. Austrian Behaviouralist characterized slight influence Thus, significant or moderate degree corresponds provisions 7 out this study. synthesizes positions different Two alternatives follow this: either “constructive” tool combining “best” practices various it an eclectic combination ideas fundamentally incompatible. An unambiguous solution dilemma possible practical level long term. Keywords specialization, definition, reduction.