INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF AMALGAMATED TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

The decentralization reform in Ukraine has created a new configuration of local self-government, but the transfer of powers to territorial communities does not automatically guarantee their effective implementation in the interests of all segments of the population, which actualizes the issue of inclusive development and its institutional framework. The purpose of the article is to systematize and conceptualize the institutional framework for inclusive development of amalgamated territorial communities and identify its specifics under decentralization conditions. Research methods include systematic approach (consideration of communities as complex systems), institutional analysis (study of formal and informal institutions), comparative analysis (comparison of different types of communities), and strategic analysis (assessment of development factors). The study proposes an interpretation of institutional framework for inclusive development as a complex of formal and informal institutions that determine the nature of access of different social groups to resources, services, and decision-making processes. A multi-level structure of institutional framework has been systematized: the state level forms the legislative, financial, and methodological framework; the level of local self-government is the main space for implementing inclusive practices; the level of civil society ensures public participation and civic oversight. It is substantiated that the effectiveness of institutional framework is determined by the complexity and complementarity of formal and informal institutions. The most effective systems of inclusive development combine formal participation procedures with developed social capital of the community, legislative guarantees with a culture of partnership between authorities and citizens, and state support with local initiative. The practical value of the study lies in formulating recommendations for strengthening institutional framework, including development of typical models of inclusive governance for different types of communities, creation of a training system for local self-government officials, implementation of monitoring of community development inclusiveness, and differentiation of state support taking into account the institutional capacity of communities.