THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO THE INTERPRETATION OF INTERNATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Based on an analysis of literary sources, it has been established that there is still no generally accepted definition containing clear criteria for classifying a particular type of activity as infrastructure, and consequently, as infrastructure projects. Several main approaches to interpreting infrastructure have been identified, each of which reveals certain specific features of the phenomenon under study. Regarding the form of infrastructure, two opposing approaches have developed – materialistic and institutional; regarding the interpretation of the economic essence of infrastructure – logistical, territorial, and systemic. Taking into account all the achievements and shortcomings of the analyzed points of view, the authors have developed definitions of the concepts of “infrastructure” and “international infrastructure project”. The latter is proposed to be understood as economic activity within the territory of two or more countries aimed at the creation and development of a material and social complex that ensures the reproduction of public goods necessary for the movement of goods, services, capital, finance, people and the formation of favorable conditions for the normal functioning of the economic system of a particular territory.

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