The role of regional agro-industrial cluster enterprises in improving national competitiveness

Introduction. The relevance of the research problem is due to the fact that in modern conditions, making a profit is not the only goal and criterion for the successful functioning of enterprises. If recently the activities of many enterprises have been aimed at gaining a market share, now the leading companies are changing their priorities trying to increase the number of regular customers, boost the efficiency of resource use, and meet the consumer demand. Based on the research conducted, the article identifies the role of the regional agro-industrial cluster enterprises producing poultry products in improving national competitiveness. Materials and Methods. The empirical and information base of the study was made up of statistical materials on the stated topic, as well as of departmental reports and accounting statements of the considered enterprises of the regional agro-industrial cluster of the Republic of Mordovia for 2015-2020. The methodological and empirical base used made it possible to competently and professionally analyze the competitive advantages of the considered enterprises and develop recommendations on how to increase their competitive strengths in the national market of poultry products. Results. The conducted research of competitive criteria for goods by regional producers of poultry products made it possible to identify the main areas of activities of these enterprises aimed at improving their competitive positions. The tools for assessing the competitiveness of poultry farming have been theoretically substantiated and developed on the basis of identifying the importance of competitive criteria for regional producers, such as price, quality, packaging, assortment, and image of the manufacturer. Specific recommendations have been developed aimed at strengthening the competitive positions of the enterprises of the regional agro-industrial cluster and at identifying key priorities for the development of a competitive strategy, in order to save resources without losing product quality. Discussion and Conclusion. The recommendations produced will contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the regional producers of poultry products. The results of the study can be used by regional authorities when clustering a region and developing territorial programs for socio-economic development.