Abstract

The need for systemic efforts to improve governance quality at the regional level makes the subject of the study highly relevant to the policy agenda. The goal of the study is to develop and test a methodological approach to measuring the quality of governance at the regional level. The subject of the study includes governance performance at the regional level in Russia. The authors apply general analytical scientific methods such as quantitative, qualitative, and comparative analysis. The study is based on a review of statistical, administrative data, as well as regulatory documents, regional strategic documents, and related implementation performance reports. The study results include a review of existing approaches to measuring governance quality at the regional level, a methodological approach to evaluating the quality of governance and the results of its application. The study concludes that there is significant variation in terms of governance quality both within one region (i.e., over various quality parameters) and among regions. The dynamics of governance quality indicators also varies among regions, with some territories demonstrating improvements and others deterioration. The interregional variation cannot be explained exclusively by difference in the resources available. The regions with better governance quality demonstrate better social and economic performance. Improving quality of public governance would call for adapting reform approaches to specific regional needs. The novelty of the paper is related, first of all, to adaptation of governance performance indicators and testing the system based on the regional data, undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the justification, effectiveness, and efficiency of the governance in Russian regions. It is recommended to use the methodology proposed in the paper for preparing and implementing governance improvement programs at the regional level.