SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC STANDARDS AS A TOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY

Abstract

Socio-economic standards serve as the foundation of state policy aimed at ensuring citizens' well-being and social justice. They define the minimum levels of social security, wages, working conditions, access to education, healthcare, and other essential services. The purpose of this article is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of socioeconomic standards as an instrument of public administration, considering their role in ensuring social justice and economic stability and enhancing the effectiveness of state policy. It has been established that the concept of socio-economic standards is formed at the intersection of economic, sociological, legal, and administrative disciplines. These standards can be defined as a system of normative requirements and indicators that determine the basic levels of social protection and economic well-being. The analysis of scientific literature provides various definitions of this concept, reflecting its multidimensional nature. It is substantiated that socio-economic standards are an important tool of public policy, regulating relations between the state, society, and economic entities. A crucial component of the legal framework for socio-economic standards is their adaptation to modern challenges and societal needs. It has been determined that socio-economic standards perform several essential functions, each playing a role in ensuring societal stability and development. The study highlights that the implementation of socio-economic standards is a complex process requiring a comprehensive approach and the application of various state policy instruments. The main mechanisms for ensuring their effective implementation include legislative and regulatory frameworks, a program-targeted approach in public administration, as well as monitoring and evaluation systems. A key role in this process is played by the interaction between the state, business, and civil society, which ensures the sustainability of socio-economic standards and enhances their impact on the quality of life. It has been established that one of the critical tools for implementing socio-economic standards is the program-targeted approach, which involves the development and execution of state programs aimed at achieving specific social and economic outcomes. It is noted that in Ukraine, the implementation of socio-economic standards faces numerous challenges, particularly in the context of economic difficulties, political instability, and war. Despite certain achievements in social policy, the country still lags in ensuring basic social standards compared to more developed European nations. The post-war recovery also creates opportunities for implementing innovative social standards that focus on new technologies and the digitalization of social services. Ukraine has the potential to introduce smart social governance based on digital platforms, smart contracts, and big data, enabling efficient monitoring and adjustment of social programs.