ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AS A TOOL FOR DEVELOPING CREATIVE MANAGERIAL THINKING: APPLIED ASPECTS FOR MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The relevance of the research topic is determined by the rapid development of digital technologies and the pressing need for Ukrainian medium-sized businesses to adapt to new economic realities, burdened by the consequences of the war and fierce global competition. Modern managers operate under conditions of significant operational workload, which limits their capacity to develop unconventional managerial solutions and maintain a long-term strategic perspective. In this context, the use of artificial intelligence is viewed not merely as a technological trend, but as a vital tool for improving the efficiency of managerial activities and resource allocation. The purpose of the article is to provide a comprehensive justification of the role of artificial intelligence as a catalyst for the development of creative managerial thinking by delegating routine business processes to algorithms, as well as to form practical recommendations regarding the algorithm for implementing AI solutions in the activities of medium-sized companies. The research methodology is based on the integration of systemic and process approaches using a problem-oriented framework. The study departs from purely theoretical analysis and focuses on the empirical experience of applying practical software solutions, examining the implementation of technologies through a logical chain: identification of a managerial problem, selection of a relevant tool, and measurement of the obtained result. The findings indicate that artificial intelligence should be considered as a tool for enhancing managerial performance rather than as a factor of human capital displacement. It has been established that automating content generation, team communication, and project management using solutions such as large language models, collaboration ecosystems, and modular ERP systems allows for significant savings in working hours. The study substantiates the need for gradual integration of innovations into the working environment and the development of new managerial competencies, including effective interaction with intelligent systems. The practical value of the article lies in the development of a specific action mechanism for mid-level managers. An approach to innovation implementation is proposed, based on the targeted selection of tools in accordance with specific managerial tasks, with an emphasis on the use of measurable indicators to assess the effectiveness of implemented solutions (including time savings, sales dynamics, and improvements in communication processes). The provided recommendations allow domestic enterprises to increase their competitiveness in the market by shifting the focus of managerial activities from micromanagement to creative strategic thinking.