The institutional mechanism of economic zones: replication of the experience of developing countries

The study focuses on the process of managing economic zones for the development of territories. The purpose of the work is to analyze the current management model of economic zones of different types using the example of two developing countries - China and Myanmar. As a hypothesis, the article puts forward the position that the formation of management bodies of economic zones and the distribution of regulatory functions between them is one of the prerequisites for ensuring a competitive management model. The study revealed that the attractiveness of the Chinese institutional model of economic zones for the development of territories is based on a clear division of strategic and operational tasks between existing institutions, granting broad powers to local authorities in the management of economic zones. The importance of the regulatory mechanism is manifested as a designed system for planning, stimulating, monitoring investment attraction, organizing the provision of services to residents of the zone, implementing a variable approach to the formation of economic zone regimes in accordance with the interests of territorial recipients of economic benefits from the operation of the zone. Success in achieving the goals of implementing programs for the development of economic zones of various types requires the creation of adequate mechanisms for the coordination of counterparties, the formation of regulatory norms and implementation tools adapted to the level of development and economic advantages. The article uses systemic and institutional-evolutionary methodology, methods of analysis, synthesis, and comparative analysis. The proposed conclusions can be used in the construction of institutional models within the framework of the implementation of programs for the development of economic zones in the Russian Federation.