Design and implementation of a quantitative model for assessing motivational gap as an indicator of unrealized innovation capacity in Ukrainian road construction enterprises
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2025.342084Keywords:
GAP analysis, motivational support index, innovation potential index, motivational gap, innovation cultureAbstract
The study focuses on assessing the current state and future prospects of motivational support systems in Ukraine’s road construction sector, with particular emphasis on their role in strengthening innovation potential during wartime conditions and post-crisis recovery. The object of the research is the motivational support systems of employees in enterprises of the road construction industry of Ukraine. The aim of the study is to identify motivational gaps between the actual and target levels of motivation and to determine the directions and principles on the basis of which a framework model for increasing the motivational support index (MSI) can be developed in future research. It was established that the innovation potential index (IPI) of Ukrainian companies remains consistently high and corresponds to the findings of the Global Innovation Index, where Ukraine held leading positions in 2021–2024 in terms of the innovation efficiency ratio. However, this potential is largely underutilized due to insufficient motivational support. The calculation of the motivational gap index (MGI), defined as the normalized difference between innovation potential (≈ 0.6) and the actual level of motivation (≈ 0.4), yielded MGI ≈ 0.33, indicating a substantial human resource reserve that remains unengaged within the current HR system. The study develops an integrated motivation model aimed at enhancing the MSI, capable of functioning effectively under resource constraints while remaining consistent with contemporary global HR and ESG trends. The proposed model may serve as a roadmap for identifying and reducing motivational gaps, increasing employee engagement, and strengthening the competitiveness of Ukraine’s road construction sector. Thus, the results of the study have not only theoretical significance but also practical value for optimizing HR practices in the industry.
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