Author:

Ekaterina A. Bazhutova, Luzin Institute for Economic Studies (Kola Science Centre of the RAS), Apatity, Russia

Elena A. Korchak, Luzin Institute for Economic Studies (Kola Science Centre of the RAS), Apatity, Russia

Abstract:

Against the backdrop of intensifying spatial differentiation between Russian regions and the need to increase the resilience of socioeconomic development, the demand for the tools that strengthen interregional linkages and enable effective macroregional governance is rising. One promising tool for that is a complementaritybased approach, yet its theoretical-methodological basis remains fragmented, and a unified method for the quantitative assessment of regions’ complementarity is found lacking at present. The paper intends to systematise the theoretical background and create a methodological approach to assessing regions’ complementarity at a macroregional level that would ensure the evidence-based management decisions in the field of interregional interaction. Methodologically, the study relies on spatial and regional economics, the theory of the firm, and institutional theory. Through comparative, conceptual and content analysis the study adds to the conceptual framework, systematises theoretical approaches to the interpretation of complementarity. In particular, it identifies key principles of complementarity – additionality, compatibility, coherence, and harmonisation – and designs the relevant methodological tools for assessing them. The result of the paper is the original comprehensive methodological approach for the quantitative assessment of complementarity based on the calculation of aggregate indices by regions and their subsystems. The approach allows identifying forms and directions for the integration, evaluate structural, institutional and strategic interrelations between the regions as well as provide recommendations concerning macroregional governance.

Keywords: macroregion; complementarity; interregional integration; methodological approach; regional development.

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For citation: Bazhutova E. A., Korchak E. A. (2026). A methodological approach to assessing regional complementarity in macroregional governance. Journal of New Economy, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 88–114. DOI: 10.29141/2658-5081-2026-27-1-5. EDN: MLVXLV.