MECHANISMS OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS’ DEVELOPMENT IN THE LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT SYSTEM: FOREIGN THEORETICAL APPROACHES

Abstract

The article theoretically coordinates foreign approaches to the development of inter-governmental relations in the system of local self-government. The basic directions of research on intergovernmental relations in world science are provided. The evolution of the views of foreign researchers within the theory of intergovernmental relations is studied, as well as their description of the characteristics, features, typology, mechanisms, trends, models of intergovernmental relations and groups of factors that determine these models. It is concluded that the current transformation of public administration entails a transition from the traditional vertical division between the levels of power to models of inter-governmental, network and collaborative governance. The main theoretical approaches to the understanding of inter-governmental relations are systematized, represented by the concepts of intergovernmental relations, multi-level governance, network governance, collaborative governance and public value. Authored contributions by foreign scholars in the developments of relevant theoretical provisions. The main mechanisms for the development of inter-governmental relations are identified: vertical coordination and division of competence, horizontal inter-municipal interaction, inter-organizational boundaries, collective development management decisions, resource and information exchange, negotiated partnerships and metarelations. The mutual complementarity of the significance of the mechanisms and the need for their complex consolidation in the minds of decentralization and the increase in mutual dependence between the levels of public power are emphasized. It has been revealed that the development of inter-governmental networks should be viewed not only as a process of allocation of resources, but also as a system of coordination, partnership and the overall creation of public value. Important changes are becoming more urgent, such as the growing interdependence of levels of government, the strengthening of the role of local self-government, the changing role of the central government, and the development of European integration as a factor of transformation. Theoretical guidelines have been identified for the further development of inter-level cooperation in the system of local self-government of Ukraine.