Методика оценки приграничной специализации межрегиональных взаимодействий приграничных регионов и результаты пилотной оценки

Cross-border cooperation as a type of interregional interaction is becoming a significant factor of border region development. It is the result of intensification of the contact function of the border and increasing economic openness between cross-border regions; so the roots of current development are quite easy to pinpoint. However, assessment of the effects of cross-border cooperation on the development of border regions appears to be a scientific challenge. In this paper, we offer an approach to the assessment of the role of cross-border cooperation in the general system of interregional interactions between adjacent regions. We present a system of indices to describe cross-border specialization of interregional interactions in certain fields; namely, investment, international trade, tourism, and migration. Cross-border specialization determines the role of cross-border cooperation in the general complex of regional external relations. The empiric data we have gathered was used to develop and implement a pilot assessment of cross-border specialization of interregional interactions characteristic of the border regions of the Russian Northwestern federal district. The article offers cross-border specialization indices for each border region of the Northwestern federal district of the Russian Federation. With their help, we were able to identify the spheres of interaction with the highest degree of cross-border specialization, and, in particular, foreign investment and business activity with the participation of foreign capital.