The new priorities of the regional development need to be implemented in Ukraine based on the European experience. These must provide development of the national economy as well as of the particular region. It is considered that strategic planning approach must be based on smart specialization, economic clusters and ecosystem formation. It is noted that development of region’s international competitiveness can stimulate the creation of interregional cooperation models. Peculiarities of the implementation of regional economy development instruments within the framework of Ukraine's European integration strategy are analyzed. The main projects of Ternopil region cross-border cooperation are described. Interaction between the regional players implemented in various combinations (education – science - business, business - authorities – community, public-private partnership etc.) must be formed as a key element.. Main features of innovative development of cross-border regions ecosystems in Ukraine are determined, in particular: decentralization of power, responsibility for finances and decision-making processes, balance of regional united communities interests; diffusion and information discovery of innovations, transparency; definition of strategic goals, ranking of tasks for regional innovative development; mutual interest and joint project management; adaptation to disparities in legal, economic, social and cultural spheres. Today, the potential of cross-border projects in the sphere of workforce competences is higher than it is used. The formation of economic clusters at the regional level is the most successful in the IT field. Particular attention needs to be paid to finding new areas for the regional economy development. This would allow to increase export potential based on innovations.