Program

For the second winter running, Ukraine's energy sector has become one of the targets of Russian terror. The power system is entering the 2023-2024 season with a lower margin of power and capacity than a year ago. However, with much better air defence protection and the gained experience of power engineers. Are the industrial companies and citizens ready for the next challenges?

This winter may not be the last one under Russian terror, so we should start preparing for the next ones already. In order to survive, ensure the economic operation and the well-being of citizens, the government, business and the community must significantly transform the industry. In particular, it is necessary to unlock the energy potential and become a leader in Europe. How can we do this? We will discuss it at the panel: "Ukrainian Energy. What to expect in winter?". The event will become a platform for dialogue between the government and business in order to develop Ukraine's energy sector. The following issues will be discussed at the panel:

1. How is Ukraine prepared for the winter of 2023/2024? Threats, needs, urgent steps, and performers. 

2. How can the industry be transformed during the war?

3. What needs to be changed for Ukraine to unlock its energy potential?

4. How to improve the business climate in the energy sector?

5. The next winter periods for the Ukrainian energy sector: an action plan for today.

At the panel discussion, we will explore the impact of mental health on team performance, retention, team climate, individual productivity, military personnel adaptation in the workplace, and the direct influence of mental health on the country's economy.The discussion is organized in the framework of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program.

Human capital is the key issue for Ukraine's economy. The demographic challenges we face are unprecedented, and there are no existing solutions or relevant international experience. Tackling this task with many uncertainties, one thing is obvious: we need to take action immediately to preserve and renew human capital. Let's discuss what can be done by the state and business.

Leaders have a decisive influence on the creation of our country. The level of our country's resilience and our Victory depends on their vision, awareness, energy, efficiency, decisiveness and determination in social, political and business life.

The speakers of this panel discussion will share their unique experience and strategies that facilitate decision-making in the face of total uncertainty and quasi-crisis. This experience is valuable, as well as the experience of each participant of the forum, and will contribute to our understanding and readiness to overcome the challenges faced by the country and society today.

According to various sociological surveys, pressure on business from government authorities is the biggest problem hindering development. The state is losing trust, and business is trying to minimize taxes or look for other jurisdictions. In frames of the panel discussion will be discussed questions:

1. How to restore trust in government institutions?

2. What and who are the obstacles to creating a favorable business climate in Ukraine?

3. Why does white business suffer when grey business continues operating?

4. How can we ensure that the State helps to develop business rather than hinders it?

The most significant problem for Ukraine's economy is its raw material structure. Without the development of the state-of-the-art industry, manufacturing of high value-added products, and focus on exporting ready-made products rather than raw materials, it is impossible to achieve growth and the European standard of living for Ukrainians. And the full-scale war has created even more challenges for Ukrainian manufacturers. We will discuss about the issues on:

1. What government incentives and instruments are planned to be introduced in the near future to foster the development of manufacturing companies, attract investments, and promote technology advancements in the industry?

2. What are the biggest challenges manufacturers face and how do they cope with them?

3. What is the role of the state in the development of industry, which industries does it prioritize? How will the state operate in the role of a customer and buyer of Ukrainian products?

4. How are Ukrainian manufacturers involved in rebuilding Ukraine and do they perceive a risk from the West doing everything with its own hands?

5. What should a pro-Ukrainian industrial policy look like?

We are grateful to our international partners who support Ukraine during the war and are already planning to help us with the country's recovery. But at the moment there is no clarity on the formats and mechanisms of our further cooperation in this aspect. On the panel discussion will be discussed the following questions:

1. What are the funding sources for the recovery? How and where will the funds be allocated? What will be the priorities?

2. In what way will private companies and investors be involved?

3. How will companies for work and goods production be selected?

4. Will Ukraine be successful in using the reconstruction to develop its industry?

A year ago, when making plans for 2023, most entrepreneurs expected to the end of the hot phase of military actions in the spring or summer. Therefore, they were already making plans for post-war recovery. Unfortunately, we are still living in a full-scale war reality and today we have to reconsider our business strategies once again. We will discuss the following questions:

1. How the war in Ukraine affected various business sectors?

2. What factors have influenced the growth of companies, such as market dynamics, transformations, product changes etc.?

3. What are the business expectations for the coming year?

4. What are the main challenges entrepreneurs face and how do they address them?

"Key capital: how migration processes affect business"

Gradus Research survey insights on the state of Ukrainian business from a human capital perspective: risks and opportunities, human resources challenges and solutions.

A panel discussion about entrepreneurs who are holding not only the economic front, but also the military one. The discussion will address a number of questions, including:

1. What can the experience of war bring to business, and what business can give to the military?

2. How to integrate veterans into work teams?

3. What is the motivation of entrepreneurs to fight in the war?

4. How did business and team management experience help (or not help) during military missions; how has the business changed after the decision to join the Armed Forces; what lessons from the war could be useful for business; what can be changed in business or in personal management style after returning?

5. What should be changed in the country to make veterans feel comfortable returning to civilian life; where is a business person more effective today: at war or in the workplace?

The ongoing war has inflicted significant losses on the Ukrainian economy. It's crucial for businesses and the economy to adapt to the war environment as waiting for post-war recovery and external financial assistance is not addressing the immediate challenges of preserving human capital and businesses at the moment. The discussion will address a number of questions, including:

1. What are the priority decisions needed for the economy at the national level and which ones at the local level?

2. How efficient is the cooperation between business and government and what should be changed immediately?

3. Why does business take over part of the state's responsibilities in the social sphere?

4. Which challenges do entrepreneurs from various industries experience, and what solutions do they propose for addressing them?

The Armed Forces of Ukraine are facing extremely challenging tasks and they are confidently moving towards victory. However, the challenges faced in the economic rear are no less complicated and require comprehensive and efficient solutions.

To return forced emigrants, create an attractive business climate, build mutually beneficial cooperation with international partners, provide competitive opportunities for investments, and finally build a modern, high-tech, efficient economy of Ukraine.

But the question still remains: how to complete the most difficult tasks and reach the goals?

KIEF raises these questions to the leading entrepreneurs of the country who have already demonstrated their success in both the Ukrainian and global markets.