From Strategy to Investment: How Communities Can Become a Magnet for Capital and Development
On May 29, Serhiy Kononenko, director of the Regional Development Agency of Odesa Region, participated as a speaker in a panel discussion titled “From Construction Site to Investment Magnet: Does the Community Have a Development Strategy That Attracts Capital, Creates Value for Investors, and Transforms This into Community Development and Prosperity?” as part of the V Foreign Investment Congress’26.
During the discussion, participants addressed the role of strategic planning in shaping competitive communities capable not only of attracting investment but also of effectively converting it into new jobs, infrastructure development, improved service quality, and enhanced well-being for residents.
“A community development strategy is a practical tool for territorial management that defines development priorities, helps shape a portfolio of projects, and sends a clear signal to potential investors about the community’s future,” said Serhiy Kononenko.
Participants paid particular attention to issues such as preparing high-quality investment projects, developing industrial parks, modernizing engineering and transportation infrastructure, and creating a favorable environment for doing business at the local level.
During the discussion, it was noted that today communities compete not only for financial resources but also for people, businesses, innovations, and development opportunities. That is why high-quality strategic planning, professional project management, openness to partnerships, and the ability to build trust with investors are becoming key factors for success.
For the Odesa region, community development is one of the key priorities.
The Regional Development Agency of Odesa Region systematically supports communities in:
- developing development strategies
- preparing investment profiles
- forming project portfolios
- attracting financial resources
A community becomes attractive to investors not when it is looking for an investor, but when it has a clear vision of the future and projects ready for implementation.
It is precisely these communities that form the foundation of a strong, sustainable, and competitive Ukraine.
