Russian experience in managing interregional cooperation

Tsyui Xinmiao Postgraduate student; Department of Regional and Municipal Management; Faculty of Public Administration; Lomonosov Moscow State University 119192, Russia, Moscow, Lomonosovsky ave., 27, k4 qux585139@gmail.com

Introduction

Interregional cooperation in the context of modern state and municipal management is an important tool for solving socio-economic problems of the regions, ensuring their sustainable development and strengthening integration at the federal level. Against the background of increasing interregional imbalances, mutual coordination and interaction of regions are becoming priority areas of state policy in Russia. The relevance of the topic is due to the need for effective management of interregional projects and programs, which allows for a more even distribution of resources, increase the competitiveness of regions and promote their economic growth.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the management of interregional cooperation in Russia, as well as to study foreign experience in order to develop recommendations for improving the effectiveness of interregional interactions. The main objectives of the study are:

1. Definition of the theoretical foundations of the management of interregional cooperation, taking into account the approaches of Russian and foreign scientists.

2. The study of the regulatory framework governing interregional relations in Russia and the identification of existing problems.

3. Analysis of the functions of management agencies responsible for the implementation of interregional programs at the federal and regional levels.

4. Assessment of foreign experience of interregional cooperation and comparison with Russian practice.

The novelty of the work lies in an integrated approach to the study of the management of interregional cooperation from the point of view of state and municipal practice in Russia, as well as in comparison with successful foreign models. The inclusion of case studies and statistical data allows for a deeper look at the role of interregional projects in the development of territories.

Literature review

Research on interregional cooperation covers a wide range of topics, including economics, public administration and international relations. Among Russian scientists, Viktor Cherkasov and Alexander Kurdyumov made a significant contribution to the theory of interregional interaction, focusing on the need to unify legal regulation and strengthen coordination between regions. They emphasize the role of the cluster approach and interregional strategies in the development of territories.

Among foreign researchers, it is worth noting the work of Charles Thibaut and Allan Garson, who proposed a model of intergovernmental relations based on the principles of transparent communication, agreed goals and mutually beneficial agreements. The experience of Michael Porter is also interesting, who considered the development of regions through the prism of economic clusters and cross-border projects as a tool to increase the competitiveness of regions.

1. The concept of inter-regional cooperation management

The management of interregional cooperation is a complex process that requires targeted actions on the part of state and municipal authorities aimed at coordinating interregional projects and programs. The management is based on the development of regulatory documents that create a legal framework for the interaction of regions, as well as the organization of financial flows and the allocation of resources, which makes it possible to effectively implement joint projects. The main task of this department is to ensure effective interaction between the regions, which creates favorable conditions for solving problems that cannot be solved at the level of one subject of the Federation. Such tasks include infrastructure development, economic cooperation, improvement of social policy and equalization of regional imbalances.

The theory of inter-regional project management, proposed by Charles Teabout and Allan Garson, identifies several key elements that ensure successful inter-regional cooperation. One of the central elements is the presence of a clearly defined common goal that unites the interests of all project participants. In addition, an extremely important aspect is an effective communication system that allows you to coordinate the actions of all participants and promptly resolve emerging issues. Mutually beneficial agreements between the participants also play an important role, as they ensure the distribution of responsibilities and resources, which contributes to the stable and effective implementation of projects. These principles are especially relevant for Russia, where interregional projects are often aimed at eliminating socio-economic imbalances between regions, developing transport infrastructure and improving the quality of life of the population.

The process of managing interregional projects goes through several key stages. The first stage, project initiation, involves coordinating the interests of all participants and defining strategic goals. At this stage, it is important to reach consensus on key issues such as investment volumes, areas of cooperation and expectations from the project. The next stage is planning and coordination, where detailed programs are developed, specific tasks are defined and deadlines are set for their implementation. An important role at this stage is played by the allocation of resources and responsibilities among the participants, so that each region knows its role in the project and has a clear understanding of its tasks.

Control and monitoring are central to the management of interregional projects, as it is impossible to achieve high results without constant verification of progress. Regular assessment of the tasks performed, verification of financial expenses and analysis of the results achieved make it possible to identify possible deviations from the plan and promptly make adjustments. This monitoring process helps to keep the project within the framework of the planned strategy and eliminate possible problems in a timely manner.

The final stage of management is to analyze the results and adjust the plan. During the implementation of interregional cooperation, new tasks and conditions may arise that require the redistribution of resources or a change in the structure of the project. Flexibility in management allows you to adapt the project to changing conditions and ensure its success in the long term.

For an in-depth analysis of interregional cooperation, both Russian and foreign theoretical approaches to intergovernmental relations should be taken into account, since they provide important conceptual grounds for understanding the mechanisms and principles of interaction between regions. One of the significant foreign authors whose work influenced the development of the theory of interregional cooperation is Charles Tebow, an American economist and theorist of intergovernmental relations. In his theory of "voting with their feet", Tebow proceeded from the idea that citizens can express their preferences by moving to regions with more suitable conditions for them, including as a result of successful interregional interaction. This theory highlights the importance of competition between regions, where interregional cooperation can be a way to increase attractiveness for citizens and businesses.

Allan Garson, a researcher in the field of public administration, has developed a theory of intergovernmental relations in which interregional interaction plays a key role in ensuring policy coherence and coordination between different levels of government. According to his approach, successful interregional cooperation depends on several key factors. First of all, it is necessary to have a common goal that unites regions in solving similar tasks or achieving the same strategic result. Such common goals may be related to improving infrastructure, increasing economic competitiveness, or solving environmental problems.

An important element highlighted by Garson is the effectiveness of communication channels. Interregional cooperation requires the establishment of clear and well-established mechanisms for the exchange of information between regions and authorities. These can be specialized coordination committees, working groups, digital platforms for the exchange of experience and data. Without a well-developed communication system, regions run the risk of encountering problems of inconsistency of actions, which can lead to inefficiency of joint projects.

The third important aspect is the mutually beneficial agreements between the regions. Garson emphasizes that interregional projects should be based on mutual interests, where each region sees the benefits of cooperation. This can be expressed both in economic benefits and in increasing social and political status, access to new resources and technologies ^[1].

The Russian theory of management of interregional interactions, in turn, has its own peculiarities related to the federal structure of the country and the need to smooth out interregional imbalances. Russian researchers such as Viktor Cherkasov note that interregional cooperation in Russia performs several important functions. First, it helps to smooth out interregional imbalances. There are significant differences in the level of economic development of regions in the country, and interregional projects allow more developed regions to share their resources and experience with less developed ones.

In addition, in the context of the federal management system, interregional cooperation is considered as a tool to help strengthen the unity of the country. Interaction between the subjects of the Russian Federation at the interregional level makes it possible to integrate regional economies into a single system, which contributes not only to economic growth, but also to political stability. This is especially important in the context of Russia's large territorial extent and the diversity of its regions in terms of socio-economic and cultural parameters.

Interregional cooperation in Russia also helps to use regional resources more effectively. This is reflected in the fact that joint projects allow regions to combine their efforts and resources to solve problems that they cannot solve alone. For example, the implementation of large infrastructure or environmental projects requires the mobilization of significant financial and human resources, and individual regions may not have sufficient capacity to implement such tasks. In these conditions, interregional cooperation becomes the optimal solution, allowing not only to share costs, but also to attract more qualified personnel, technologies and investments.

In addition, interregional cooperation promotes the dissemination of best management and economic development practices. Regional authorities participating in joint projects can adopt the experience of more successful subjects of the Federation, introduce new methods of management, economic planning, social security and interaction with the population ^[2]. This process of mutual learning and transfer of experience plays an important role in harmonizing the development of regions and increasing the overall level of governance in the country.

For example, the Ural-Siberia program for the development of transport corridors between regions has become an important project that has helped the regions improve logistics links, create new jobs and develop joint investment projects. In such projects, interaction between regions is based on the listed theoretical principles, where common goals, effective communication channels and mutually beneficial agreements become the key to success.

Thus, interregional cooperation, based on the theoretical developments of both foreign and Russian scientists, is an important tool for the balanced and effective development of regions. It helps not only to solve specific economic and social problems, but also to strengthen the unity of the country, improve the quality of public administration and ensure the integration of regions into the overall development strategy of the state.

2. Regulatory and legal basis for the management of interregional cooperation

In the second section of the article, the focus will be on the regulatory framework governing interregional cooperation in the Russian Federation. The legal regulation of inter-regional interactions is of key importance for effective governance, as it creates a legal framework in which regions can coordinate their efforts and interact at various levels. The use of legislative mechanisms ensures the legitimacy of such interactions, the coordination of the interests of the subjects of the Federation and their compliance with federal policy and development goals.

One of the main legal acts regulating the organization of interactions between the subjects of the Russian Federation is Federal Law No. 184-FZ "On the General Principles of the Organization of Legislative (Representative) and Executive bodies of State Power of the subjects of the Russian Federation". This law was adopted in 1999 and has remained the central document in the field of regulation of inter-regional relations for many years. It establishes the basis for the functioning of public authorities at the regional level, including their powers in matters of cooperation with other regions and the federation.

The Law establishes the following key aspects for interregional cooperation:

1. General principles of the organization of power. Law No. 184-FZ defines the main provisions governing the interaction of regional authorities both among themselves and with federal structures. One of the important aspects is the possibility of concluding interregional agreements between the subjects of the Federation for the implementation of joint programs and projects in the economic, social, environmental and other spheres. Such agreements serve as a legal basis for coordinating actions between regions and make it possible to more effectively solve problems that go beyond the boundaries of one entity.

2. The powers of regional authorities. Within the framework of the law, it is provided that the executive authorities of the constituent entities of the Federation can participate in the implementation of federal programs, as well as independently initiate interregional projects. For example, these may be agreements on the joint development of infrastructure projects, such as the construction of roads, public infrastructure facilities or the development of tourism.

3. Control and coordination mechanisms. The Law establishes the principles of monitoring the implementation of interregional agreements, as well as the rules governing the financial aspects of such projects. This is important to ensure transparency and accountability of authorities in the implementation of interregional initiatives. The financial side of interregional cooperation may include joint financing of projects by several subjects of the Federation, as well as attracting federal funds on co-financing terms.

The second significant document regulating interregional cooperation is Federal Law No. 131-FZ "On the General Principles of the Organization of Local Self-Government in the Russian Federation", adopted in 2003. This law creates a legal basis for inter-municipal cooperation, which is an important component of a broader system of inter-regional interactions. In Russia, where municipalities have a significant degree of independence, issues of inter-municipal cooperation are of particular importance for the successful solution of local problems.

Federal Law No. 131-FZ establishes the following key provisions regarding inter-municipal cooperation:

1. Principles of the organization of local self-government. The law grants municipalities the right to independently resolve issues of local importance, including the right to enter into contractual relations with other municipalities to solve common tasks. Inter-municipal agreements make it possible to combine the resources of several municipalities for the implementation of infrastructure, social and economic projects.

2. Issues of inter-municipal cooperation. The law allows municipalities to conclude cooperation agreements in areas that require the coordination of efforts of several territorial units. An example of such areas may be the joint development of territories, solving environmental problems, providing public services, improving transport accessibility or creating common educational programs.

3. Financial aspects of inter-municipal cooperation. Law No. 131-FZ provides for the possibility of forming inter-municipal funds to finance joint projects. This gives municipalities an additional resource for the implementation of large-scale projects that they could not carry out on their own due to the limitations of their own budgets.

Thus, Federal Law No. 131-FZ plays an important role in coordinating actions between municipalities, allowing them to resolve issues beyond the competence of one entity. The most important mechanisms here are inter-municipal agreements, which ensure the legitimacy of such interactions and allow for a clear allocation of responsibilities and resources between the parties to the agreements.

In addition to the two above-mentioned laws, other normative acts are also important for the legal framework of interregional cooperation. For example, a number of federal targeted programs and national projects provide mechanisms for interaction between the subjects of the Federation to achieve common goals, such as the development of transport infrastructure, energy, ecology, health and education. These programs create legal conditions for the conclusion of interregional agreements and the implementation of joint projects.

An example of successful implementation of such projects can be the program "Integrated Rural Development", which provides for the participation of several subjects of the Federation in the development of agricultural clusters, job creation and improvement of social infrastructure in rural areas. Federal programs for the development of tourism clusters in several regions of Russia can also be noted, which contributes to the development of the economy and culture of these regions through cooperation in the field of tourism.

The regulatory framework for interregional cooperation includes not only internal laws governing the interaction of the subjects of the Russian Federation, but also international treaties and agreements concluded between the regions of Russia and foreign countries. This area of cooperation, known as cross-border or interstate cooperation, is especially important for border regions such as the Kaliningrad Region, Primorsky Krai and the republics of the North Caucasus, where the geographical location dictates the need for integration with neighboring countries to solve common economic and social problems.

International treaties and agreements play a key role in cross-border cooperation, providing a legal framework for the implementation of projects in various fields such as trade, tourism, ecology, transport, energy and social policy. Such documents make it possible to establish a regulatory framework for interaction between regions and foreign partners, providing legal protection and defining mechanisms for the implementation of joint projects.

For example, the Kaliningrad Region actively participates in international cooperation programs with Poland and Lithuania within the framework of European cross-border initiatives. Programs such as INTERREG and Euroregions contribute to the development of infrastructure projects, solving environmental problems, improving the quality of life of the local population and integrating the region into the common European economic area. The conclusion of international agreements enables the regions to attract financial resources from abroad, as well as to share experience and technologies with foreign partners.

An important aspect of cross-border cooperation is legal regulation in the field of security and migration. Border regions often face common problems in these areas, requiring coordination of efforts with neighboring States. International treaties make it possible to regulate migration processes, trade and movement of goods, environmental protection and border security issues. For example, the agreements between Russia and China in the field of cross-border cooperation in the Primorsky Territory relate to trade, tourism, and the sharing of natural resources, which is a vivid example of how the legal framework can contribute to solving complex cross-border problems.

In order to maintain and deepen the theoretical analysis of the legal regulation of interregional and cross-border cooperation, it is important to rely on the works of Russian and foreign researchers. Among Russian scientists, a significant contribution to the study of interregional interaction has been madeViktor Cherkasov, who emphasizes the need to create a unified approach to the legal regulation of interregional relations. Cherkasov notes that the current legislation, although it creates general conditions for interregional cooperation, requires further unification and standardization to eliminate legal gaps and misunderstandings between the subjects of the Federation.

Cherkasov emphasizes the importance of developing a unified model of legal regulation that would allow the regions to interact more effectively and transparently. In his opinion, special regulations are needed that would regulate all stages of the conclusion and implementation of interregional agreements, from the formation of goals and objectives to the allocation of responsibilities and control mechanisms. Such an approach would provide legal protection to participants in interregional projects and would contribute to a more active inclusion of regions in national development programs ^[3].

In addition, Cherkasov focuses on the need to improve cooperation between regional and federal authorities. His works emphasize that in Russia, where regions have a significant degree of independence, coordination of their actions with federal structures remains one of the main problems. Within the framework of the legal regulation of interregional relations, not only the conclusion of interregional agreements should be provided, but also effective mechanisms for monitoring their implementation at the federal level.

Michael Porter, a well-known American economist, has made a significant contribution to understanding the role of regional economies in a global context through the development of a cluster approach. His works emphasize the importance of the formation of economic clusters as a basis for the successful development of regional economies. In this context, cross-border cooperation, according to Porter, plays an important role, as it allows regions to share technologies, knowledge and human resources, which contributes to increasing the competitiveness of each individual entity.

Porter's cluster approach is especially relevant for the border regions of Russia, where cross-border cooperation can contribute to the creation of clusters in such areas as logistics, tourism, manufacturing and energy. Clusters are groups of enterprises and organizations that work in the same industry or in related fields, and their interaction within the cluster allows for a synergistic effect. For example, tourism clusters are successfully developing in the border regions of Russia and Finland, which allow attracting tourists from both sides of the border, making the region's economy more stable and competitive.

Porter also notes that the successful development of clusters is impossible without legal regulation of cross-border cooperation. Interstate agreements aimed at facilitating trade, the movement of labor, technology transfer and the development of joint infrastructure projects create the basis for the functioning of cross-border clusters. These clusters are becoming growth points for the economies of the border regions and can play an important role in their development.

An example of effective use of the cluster approach is the Baltic region, where Russia is actively involved in cross-border initiatives with countries such as Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Finland. Within the framework of such projects, logistics, tourism and production clusters are being created, which contribute to economic growth and strengthen integration between regions ^[4]. These projects are supported by international agreements and programs, which emphasizes the importance of legal support for cross-border cooperation.

International treaties and agreements regulating cross-border cooperation play an important role in the development of border regions and interregional interactions. The legal basis of such projects allows Russian regions not only to solve internal problems, but also to integrate into global processes, using mechanisms of international cooperation to increase their competitiveness. The theoretical approaches of Viktor Cherkasov and Michael Porter provide a deep understanding of how legal regulation can contribute to the development of interregional cooperation and the creation of economic clusters, which ultimately has a positive impact on the socio-economic development of regions.

3. Interregional cooperation projects

An example of a widely discussed such initiative is the interregional project "Yenisei Siberia" ^[5]. It combined 32 investment projects from the Krasnoyarsk Territory, Khakassia and Tuva with a projected investment volume of 1.9 trillion rubles and a planning horizon until 2027. Projects of a comprehensive plan for the development and modernization of the main infrastructure and the development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation are interregional in nature ^[6].

The goal of such projects, as a rule, is to achieve high efficiency of the created territorial production complex within a given time frame, both for the region and for the state and for all participants in regional economic life.

The Russian experience in managing interregional cooperation in the European North is characterized by a number of unique features that can be viewed through the prism of regional strategies and interregional agreements aimed at developing transport, economic and cultural cooperation. The main focus in the strategies of the Northwestern and Northern Federal Districts is on creating clusters and strengthening interregional ties, which should promote integration and sustainable socio-economic development.

According to the Spatial Development Strategy of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2025 ^[7], the regions of the European North (including Karelia, Komi, Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions) are supposed to be developed through large interregional investment projects. However, the lack of specific documents regulating such projects indicates insufficient practical implementation of the strategy. The previous Socio-Economic Development Strategy of the Northwestern Federal District until 2020 emphasized the need for interregional integration, which opens up opportunities for inter-sectoral cooperation and the creation of effective technological chains ^[8]. However, in the modern strategies of the North-West and other regions of the European North, the reflection of these provisions remains heterogeneous and fragmented.

The Murmansk Region, for example, in its strategy until 2025, considers interregional cooperation only through the prism of the transport system, including the development of aviation and railway communications ^[9]. On the contrary, the Vologda Oblast, in its strategy until 2030, pays attention to cooperation in the cultural and transport spheres, as well as the creation of industrial chains to increase the competitiveness of exports and import substitution. In the strategy until 2035, the Komi Republic highlights the importance of interregional cooperation in mechanical engineering and focuses on socio-economic partnership with other regions, while the objectives of the strategy are often general in nature, which leaves room for interpretation ^[10].

An analysis of the strategies of the Arkhangelsk Region and the Republic of Karelia shows more specific measures, including the development of transport corridors, as well as projects such as Belkomur and the Silver Necklace of Russia. The Belkomur project is a large-scale transport corridor linking the European North with the Urals, but faces a protracted implementation ^[11]. The Silver Necklace of Russia tourism project, on the contrary, shows the successful development of routes, although the involvement of different regions, such as the Vologda and Arkhangelsk regions, varies ^[12].

There is also a practice of interregional agreements in the European North of Russia. Vologda and Murmansk regions have concluded numerous agreements, most of which focus on the exchange of experience and the holding of joint cultural and sports events. A meaningful analysis of the agreements shows that the key areas are trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural spheres, whereas in the social sphere cooperation is embedded only in part of them. Separate implementation plans, as between the Arkhangelsk Region and the Republic of Karelia, contain specific measures in the areas of the fuel and energy complex and housing and communal services, but economic projects that can stimulate long-term growth of the regions are practically absent in these plans ^[13].

Thus, the experience of interregional cooperation in the European North of Russia shows significant variability in strategies and approaches to project implementation. The lack of coordination and specific implementation mechanisms limits the potential of interregional projects, despite their strategic importance for the development of the region.

4. Governing bodies of interregional cooperation

Now we will look at the management agencies coordinating interregional cooperation, as well as at the specifics of their functioning at the federal and regional levels. The organizational structure of interregional cooperation includes various government agencies that play an important role in the implementation of strategies aimed at developing territorial cooperation, coordinating regional efforts and ensuring their synergy. These agencies are engaged not only in the development of common programs and regulations, but also in monitoring their implementation, as well as monitoring the results of cooperation ^[14].

At the federal level, the coordination of interregional cooperation is headed byMinistry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation (Ministry of Economic Development). It performs the following key functions:

1. Development and implementation of federal target programs (FTP). The Ministry of Economic Development is developing long-term development programs, which include tasks to stimulate interregional cooperation. Federal targeted programs are aimed at eliminating interregional imbalances, developing economically lagging regions, and maintaining sustainable growth in key sectors of the economy. One example of such programs is the Federal Target Program for the Development of the North Caucasus Federal District, which includes projects to improve infrastructure, support small businesses and strengthen ties between regions.

2. Monitoring and evaluation of regional development. The Ministry monitors the socio-economic condition of the regions, analyzes their potential for participation in interregional projects and develops mechanisms aimed at improving interregional coordination. Within the framework of these tasks, the Ministry of Economic Development forms strategic documents, such as state programs, which identify priority areas for interregional cooperation.

3. Financial support and coordination of interregional projects. The tasks of the Ministry of Economic Development include the allocation of budget funds between the subjects of the Russian Federation for the implementation of interregional initiatives. The Ministry develops and implements mechanisms for co-financing joint projects of the regions, which encourages them to actively participate in such programs.

4. Support for cross-border cooperation. An important task of the Ministry is to coordinate cross-border initiatives, including projects with border regions of foreign countries. The Ministry cooperates with international organizations such as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in order to implement economic programs aimed at integrating Russia into the global economy through cooperation at the regional level.

At the regional level, inter-regional interactions are managed by specialized authorities, such as regional ministries and departments of economic development. They perform the following functions:

1. Planning of regional cooperation programs. Each regional ministry develops its own economic development programs, in which considerable attention is paid to issues of interregional cooperation. For example, the Ministries of Economic Development of the Primorsky Territory and the Amur Region actively cooperate with Chinese provinces in the field of transport and logistics, concluding agreements on joint investments in infrastructure and trade development.

2. Participation in interregional projects. Regional ministries play a key role in the development and implementation of projects aimed at strengthening ties with other regions of Russia. They participate in the implementation of interregional agreements, coordinate the work of enterprises, infrastructure facilities and social services that are involved in these projects. These may be, for example, projects for the development of transport infrastructure, such as the construction of new highways and railways that connect several regions.

3. Interregional trade and economic agreements. Regional ministries participate in the conclusion and implementation of agreements on trade and economic cooperation with neighboring regions. Such agreements allow the regions to exchange goods and services, jointly develop production facilities and attract investments.

4. Coordination with municipalities. An important aspect of the work of regional ministries is the coordination of interaction between regions and municipalities. Municipalities often need support from the region to implement inter-municipal projects, such as the development of communal infrastructure or the construction of social facilities. Regional ministries of economic development play a key role in organizing such projects.

To assess the current state of interregional cooperation in Russia, the following indicators can be considered. From 2015 to 2023, more than 200 agreements were signed between the subjects of the Russian Federation within the framework of interregional programs, which indicates a high level of regional interest in cooperation. Among the most significant programs are the Ural-Siberia projects aimed at the development of transport and energy corridors, and the North-West, which promotes the development of tourism and culture in the border regions of Russia.

The volume of financing for interregional projects is also growing. In 2020, the federal government allocated about 50 billion rubles to these programs, while in 2023 this amount increased to 70 billion rubles, which indicates a significant expansion of such initiatives. The largest number of projects is related to infrastructure development, which accounts for about 40% of all interregional programs, followed by transport and energy projects.

Sample data for the analysis of interregional cooperation:

1. The number of interregional agreements concluded. Various interregional cooperation programs are being actively implemented in Russia. For example, from 2015 to 2023, more than 200 agreements were signed between the subjects of the Russian Federation within the framework of such programs as Ural-Siberia, North-West and others.

2. Financing of interregional programs. The amount of financing for interregional projects increases annually. In 2020, the total amount of federal funds aimed at supporting interregional cooperation amounted to 50 billion rubles. In 2023, this figure increased to 70 billion rubles.

3. The number of regions participating in interregional projects. If 48 subjects participated in interregional programs in 2015, then by 2023 their number has increased to 62 regions, which indicates the expansion of the geography of projects.

4. The main areas of cooperation. The most active areas of interaction were: transport (20% of projects), energy (15%), tourism (10%), education and healthcare (15%), infrastructure development (40%).

This table shows the difference in functions between federal and local authorities in the management of interregional cooperation. At the federal level, strategy development and coordination of interregional projects are carried out by the Ministry of Economic Development and other national agencies. They are engaged in the formation of federal programs and direct funding to the regions. Local authorities, in turn, adapt federal programs to regional conditions and ensure local control.

For a more detailed analysis of the differences in the functions of management agencies at the federal and regional levels, it is possible to conduct a comparative analysis of them, which will reflect the key aspects of their work.

From a practical point of view, examples of successful interregional cooperation programs can be given, such as Ural-Siberia, aimed at the development of transport and energy corridors, and North-West, which promotes the development of tourism and culture in the border regions of Russia.

To summarize, the article will demonstrate that the management of interregional cooperation in Russia is a multi-level system in which both federal and local authorities are involved. Cooperation at the interregional level contributes not only to the economic growth of the regions, but also to strengthening the unity of the country.