State regulation of the economy in ensuring food security: analysis of public policy and social economy instruments in Ukraine

Abstract

The article examines the problem of developing an effective public policy framework aimed at ensuring food security under conditions of socio-economic transformation and wartime challenges. The study emphasizes the necessity of rethinking the role of state regulation of the economy as a systemic mechanism for achieving food resilience and social stability. Particular attention is paid to the integration of social economy instruments into public policy, which serve as a key tool for ensuring food accessibility for vulnerable population groups. The research highlights the importance of combining economic regulatory instruments with social support mechanisms in order to address structural imbalances within the food system. It argues that traditional approaches to food security policy, focused primarily on production and market regulation, are insufficient in the context of increasing social inequality and external shocks. Instead, a comprehensive governance model is required, which incorporates institutional coordination, adaptive regulatory mechanisms, and targeted social programs. The paper also explores the impact of wartime conditions on the functioning of the food system, including disruptions in supply chains, infrastructure damage, and increased social vulnerability. In this context, the state assumes a dual role as both regulator and guarantor of food security, requiring enhanced institutional capacity and policy flexibility. The study identifies key directions for improving public policy, including strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing coordination between public authorities, expanding social support programs, and adopting international best practices adapted to national conditions. The scientific contribution of the article lies in substantiating an integrated approach to state regulation of food security, which combines economic and social policy instruments into a unified system. The practical significance of the findings is reflected in their applicability to the development of national strategies and public administration mechanisms aimed at ensuring sustainable food security in Ukraine, particularly in the context of wartime and post-war recovery.