Inclusive entrepreneurship as a driver of sustainable employment under conditions of demographic imbalance

Abstract

Inclusive entrepreneurship is viewed as a business activity that creates opportunities for all members of society—including vulnerable population groups—to realize their potential on the principles of equality and non-discrimination. It plays an important role in ensuring sustainable employment by expanding the participation of those who face barriers in the labor market.
The article highlights the social dimension of inclusive economic development in Ukraine, particularly the integration of vulnerable groups (persons with disabilities, youth, veterans, pre-retirement age individuals, internally displaced persons) into the labor market. Special attention is given to inclusive entrepreneurship as a tool for job creation for these groups, which becomes especially important amid population ageing, labor migration, and workforce shortages.
The study identifies the main barriers hindering the integration of vulnerable groups into Ukraine’s labor market (lack of adequate barrier-free infrastructure, professional and qualification mismatches, skills misalignment with market demands, etc.) and summarizes current public policy measures aimed at overcoming them. Taking into account European experience, the article outlines recommendations for stimulating inclusive development: strengthening active labor market programs, supporting employers in creating jobs for persons with disabilities, developing inclusive entrepreneurship through tax incentives, implementing the National Barrier-Free Space Strategy, and investing in human capital and social infrastructure. It is concluded that the development of inclusive entrepreneurship and the inclusive transformation of the labor market are essential conditions for Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery, social cohesion, and sustainable growth.