SYSTEMATIZATION OF BENCHMARKING MECHANISMS FOR INTERLEVEL GOVERNANCE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC SYSTEMS

Abstract

Introduction. The article examines benchmarking mechanisms as a tool of interlevel governance for the sustainable development of economic systems at different levels – from public policy to enterprise activity. The role of benchmarking in ensuring coordination, analytical support, and the implementation of best practices at the macro-, meso-, and micro-levels is demonstrated.

Goal. The study aims to provide a theoretical and methodological substantiation and systematization of benchmarking mechanisms for interlevel governance of sustainable economic development. To achieve this goal, the following objectives are set: to characterize contemporary challenges of sustainable development and their impact on economic systems; to analyze the current state and role of benchmarking at different governance levels; to develop a classification of benchmarking mechanisms taking into account governance levels, functions, sources of comparison, and objects of analysis; to determine the relationship between the application of benchmarking mechanisms and the achievement of economic, social, and environmental balance; and to outline directions for the practical application of the proposed classification.

Research methods. The study employs systemic, comparative, and structural-functional analysis, the method of generalization, and elements of modeling to construct a multilevel governance framework. An interdisciplinary approach is applied, integrating strategic management, sustainable development theory, and institutional analysis.

The results. A classification of benchmarking mechanisms has been developed considering governance levels (macro-, meso-, micro-), functional purpose, sources of comparison, and objects of analysis. It is established that at the macro level benchmarking performs a strategic-regulatory function; at the meso level, a coordination-adaptive function; and at the micro level, an operational-implementation function. Key implementation instruments at each level are identified, including national and regional strategies, analytical dashboards, ESG/CSR reports, KPIs, and digital performance management platforms. The proposed classification ensures systemic interlevel governance, indicator harmonization, and effective transfer of best practices.

Conclusions. The integration of benchmarking mechanisms into the governance of sustainable development of economic systems enhances the effectiveness of strategic, tactical, and operational management, facilitates coordination across governance levels, and supports the adaptation of international standards to the local context. The practical implementation of the proposed classification contributes to improving monitoring processes, policy performance evaluation, and the implementation of sustainable development principles in Ukraine’s economy. Prospects for further research include detailing specific types of mechanisms for particular economic sectors and integrating them into digital information and analytical platforms.

Keywords: benchmarking, sustainable development, governance mechanisms, governance levels, classification, interlevel coordination..

Formulas: 0, fig.: 0, tabl.: 2, bibl.: 12.