The article proposes a conceptual model of public management of regional development based on the knowledge economy for Ukraine. The model integrates key elements of the concepts of "triple helix", regional innovation systems, smart specialization, and creative economy, adapting them to the Ukrainian institutional context and challenges posed by the war and post-war reconstruction. The strategic goal of the model is to unlock and effectively utilize the human, scientific, and entrepreneurial potential of Ukraine's regions for producing, disseminating, and commercializing innovations as the foundation for their longterm development and improvement of citizens' quality of life. The model is based on a set of interrelated principles: subsidiarity and decentralization, partnership and network interaction, inclusiveness and accessibility of knowledge, smart specialization, innovation culture and creativity, multilevel governance, and interregional cooperation. Structurally, the model consists of strategic, institutional, financial and economic, infrastructural, educational and cultural, communication and promotion components, each performing specific functions within a holistic management cycle of stimulating regional development. The implementation of the model requires synchronization and integration of efforts of all levels of public authorities, the business community, and civil society organizations. The key advantages of the model are its focus on endogenous development factors and unique local resources, inclusiveness and broad stakeholder involvement, development of innovation culture and creativity, multilevel synergy of efforts and policies, and adaptability to changing conditions and challenges. At the same time, the implementation of the model faces serious obstacles, such as lack of trust and cooperation between stakeholders, scarcity of financial and institutional resources, the prevalence of a paternalistic culture, and resistance from agents of the old system. Despite the challenges, the implementation of the model of public management of regional development based on the knowledge economy has no alternative if Ukraine aspires to secure a decent place among developed innovative countries and ensure a high quality of life for its citizens.