Mechanisms for integrating inclusiveness into investment projects of post-war reconstruction

Abstract

Introduction. Post-war reconstruction of Ukraine is a complex process involving not only rebuilding infrastructure but also restoring socio-economic stability, thus ensuring inclusiveness – equal access to resources and development opportunities for all, including vulnerable groups – is important. Without targeted mechanisms, these groups risk being left out of reconstruction, which would deepen inequality and impede development.

Purpose. Development of science-based approaches and recommendations for the integration of inclusiveness in investment projects of post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.

Methods. The study is based on an analysis of literature and statistical data. It evaluated current reconstruction programs and examined domestic and international experience of inclusive recovery. Based on these findings, recommendations were developed to integrate inclusiveness into all stages of the investment process, and criteria for assessing social impact were proposed.

Results. Key barriers to inclusiveness were identified: unclear criteria and lack of unified standards for evaluating social impact, short-term investor focus, insufficient stakeholder coordination, and weak community engagement. To address these barriers, measures include introducing social impact assessment systems and inclusivity standards aligned with international best practices, providing financial incentives for social projects, creating a coordination platform, and ensuring active community participation, thereby forming a mechanism to integrate inclusiveness that can increase the social return on investment.

Discussion. Inclusiveness should become an integral part of post-war reconstruction strategy, and implementing the proposed mechanisms and criteria will ensure a fair distribution of recovery outcomes and strengthen societal resilience. An inclusive approach will help build a cohesive and just society, as reconstruction that accounts for the needs of each citizen is the key to sustainable development and national security.

Prospects. Further scientific work should be aimed at building a unified system of “inclusive value” indicators for the Ukrainian context (calibration of SROI, development of an integral index of inclusive community readiness), creation of a reference data architecture and open sets for reproducible assessments, and to conduct rigorous measurements of the effectiveness of already implemented initiatives using quasi-experimental and experimental approaches. Separate analysis is needed on the behavioral factors of investors and donors and the design of incentives that increase the attractiveness of inclusive projects, as well as comparative studies of countries with post-war reconstruction experience to adapt best practices in financing, governance, and social impact monitoring.