Promoting Interregional Cooperation in the Social Sphere as an Important Reserve to Strengthen Relations within the Union State
In modern conditions of globalization the need for interregional cooperation in the implementation of foreign economic relations of the countries becomes increasingly evident. In this case, if a country becomes part of a larger integration association, it must consider the aspects that arise during thejointexistenceoftwoormorecountriesintheassociation. Theexperienceofthe Union State, beingsuch an association, is considered in the paper. The purpose of the study is to determine key factors preventing the creation of the common economic space of the Union State and the opportunities for development of interregional relations, which will facilitate a more dynamic adaptation of regional economies to modern business processes and, therefore, create new opportunities for the development and implementation of competitive advantages in the regions of both countries. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that the article defines the essence and meaning of “interregional cooperation”. In previously published studies the issue of cooperation at the regional level of the Union State was regarded very narrowly - exclusively within a single branch or two regions of the country. The methodology used is not limited only to the method of retrospective analysis, but uses methods such as socio-economic modelling and spatial data. The authors substantiate the necessity of development of interregional cooperation in the framework of the Union State of Russia and Belarus. It emphasizes the authors' position regarding the relevance of development of interregional cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus in the spheres of education, science, culture, medicine and tourism in the context of building a single economic space. Based on the analysis of factual material reflecting the experience of cooperation between constituent entities of the Russian Federation and regions of the Republic of Belarus, the authors identify main problems of such interaction. In particular, it is shown that in the framework of the Union State, contacts and cooperation among regions face difficulties connected with the federal and unitary structure of the countries. The authors reveal that existing relationships are widespread in a geographical aspect. Addressing practical issues, the authors present recommendations for the development of cooperation between the two countries in the social sphere and platforms for cooperation in innovation sectors of economic environment. The recommendations can be used by the legislative and executive bodies of the Union State and taken into account in the work of regional authorities in order to increase the investment attractiveness of territorial administrative units of both countries.