Country Profile: Ukraine
Dedicated design policy status
No standalone national design policy has been adopted. In 2017, the Design4Ukraine Association and Prof. Anna Whicher published recommendations for design policy actions, but these have not yet been implemented.
Design in other policy agendas
- Industrial / Development Strategy – The Green Industrial Recovery Programme for Ukraine 2024–2028 (developed by UNIDO) mentions “green product design” as part of its strategic framework to support post-war recovery and sustainable industrial development. [Mentioned]
- Circular Economy Strategy – The pre-war Ukraine 2050 Low Emission Development Strategy (2017) featured eco-design, and current efforts to develop a waste reduction and circular economy action plan also recognize eco-design principles. [Mentioned]
- CCI, innovation, digital, architecture strategies – No strategy or references to design identified.
Observations
Ukraine’s policy landscape shows only limited and fragmented references to design, primarily in sustainability-related frameworks such as the green industrial recovery plan and circular economy initiatives. While these references signal an understanding of design’s role in supporting green transition and resilience, there is no systemic integration across cultural, innovation or digital agendas. The 2017 recommendations for a national design policy remain a relevant starting point for future efforts, particularly as Ukraine rebuilds and seeks to align with European innovation and sustainability standards.
Sources
- Green industrial recovery programme for Ukraine 2024-2028, o. J.
- WINWIN – Ukrainian Global Innovation Strategy, o. J.
- WINWIN -Ukrainian Global Innovation Strategy 2030 – Full, o. J.