A New Multi-Dimensional Framework For Analyzing Regional Integration: Regional Integration Evaluation (RIE) Methodology

Theories of regional integration typically analyze the regional integration process from the perspective of a single discipline, usually economics. However, such one-dimensional analytical frameworks cannot fully capture the richness and complexity of the inherently multi-dimensional regional integration process. To address the problem, the authors propose the Regional Integration Evaluation (RIE) methodology which is based on four dimensions of development - economic, political, social and technological. The central idea behind the RIE methodology is that regional development promotes regional integration.