The International Conference on Borderland Development

On October 21, 2025, The International Laboratory for Digital Transformation in Public Administration systems (HSE University) Research Fellow Aisylu Ataeva delivered a presentation at the IX International Scientific and Practical Conference “Borderland Issues: New Trajectories of International Cooperation,” organized by the Institute of Geopolitical and Regional Studies at the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad.

In her presentation, Aysilu Ataeva discussed the evolution of the concept of regional “peripherality” - from the classical center–periphery opposition to contemporary multi-level and dynamic interpretations. She emphasized that peripherality today is determined not only by geographical remoteness but also by a combination of institutional, economic, innovation, and social factors.

Special attention was paid to border regions, which often occupy a dual position: remaining peripheral within their own country while simultaneously serving as nodes of international interaction. Aysilu Ataeva proposed an approach to analyzing such territories based on a multidimensional regional profile, considering geographical, economic, social and demographic, infrastructure, institutional characteristics, and innovation potential. The presentation highlighted the role of digitalization and cross-border networks in the development of border regions.

The conference brought together experts from Russia, CIS countries, and China to discuss current challenges and prospects for international cooperation in border regions, including socioeconomic, political, innovation, cultural, and environmental aspects.