Complementarity of regional policies in border regions: an institutional approach and international experience

The article examines the theoretical and practical dimensions of complementarity as an important condition determining the effectiveness of cross-border cooperation between border regions. Drawing on a synthesis of scholarly approaches, it clarifies the concept of complementarity and characterizes it as a mechanism for aligning socioeconomic systems and coordinating regional policies. The analysis is based on an institutional approach, which makes it possible to view complementarity both as a means and as an outcome of formalizing mechanisms for coordinating cooperation strategies. A comparative analysis of cross-border interaction models in the border regions of the European Union, North America, and Southeast Asia identifies the distinctive features of practices used to coordinate approaches to the organization and governance of cooperation across different political and economic contexts. The findings provide a basis for conclusions regarding the possibilities, specific characteristics, and limitations of developing complementarity in the context of the Russian–Chinese border region.