Conceptual framework for the development of a regional integration economic block (EAEU case)

Taking into account the trend toward the formation of a multipolar world, as well as the accumulated problems of regional economic integration, the authors attempted to update the conceptual framework for the development of a regional integration economic block (RIEB). The object of the study is the regional integration economic block of EAEU, the subject of the study is the economic interaction of the block countries in the context of the emerging multipolar world order. A hypothesis has been put forward that, within the framework of distributed leadership, the RIEB countries can act as leaders in certain industries (industry-specific internationalized reproduction processes) and thereby avoid dominance in the block by one country. In theoretical terms, the article reveals the essence of the fundamental principle of a multipolar world order, namely "equal fair cooperation". According to this, the author's approach is proposed, based on distributed leadership, an internationalized reproduction process and cooperation. The article also reveals the concept of "technological cooperation". In terms of methodology, an index of integration interaction is proposed to assess the potential for integration interaction between countries taking into account their weights determined by experts. The results obtained show that, on the one hand, the calculated value of the index 0.88 indicates the insufficient integration interaction, the need to strengthen cooperation ties and increase the economic power of the block. On the other hand, it also indicates the possibility of strengthening the role of all RIEB member countries in the context of specific individual industries (distributed leadership). It allows us to speak about the beginning of the transition from the “center-periphery” model based on a world-system approach to a polycentric structure within the EAEU, the development of which requires the creation of targeted incentive funds within specific industry value chains.