Article title: critical analysis of modern approaches to assessing the competitiveness and adaptive potential of regional socio-economic systems

Abstract

 The structural instability of the global economy and fundamental geo-economic shifts necessitate a thorough revision of the theoretical and methodological foundations for assessing the development of subnational territories. The aim of this study is to conduct a critical examination of modern methodological approaches to determining the level of competitiveness and adaptive capabilities of regional socio-economic systems. The methodological foundation of the work is formed by the principles of systemic and comparative analysis, supplemented by methods of classification and theoretical generalization. The research structures and provides a detailed analysis of four key areas of assessment tools: comprehensive rating systems, approaches to assessing investment and scientific-technological potential, methodologies for diagnosing regional economic security, as well as evolutionary and institutional concepts. For each direction, not only strengths but also systemic methodological gaps are identified, particularly evident when attempting to measure adaptive capacity and the strategic function of a territory in turbulent conditions. The main shortcomings include retrospectiveness, static nature, detachment from the context of current challenges, ignorance of geo-economic adaptation parameters, and the leveling of the unique role of a region in the national economic complex. A conclusion is drawn about the insufficient relevance of the existing methodological arsenal for measuring adaptive potential in the new reality. The theoretical significance of the work lies in the consolidation of critical arguments regarding established assessment paradigms, while the practical value lies in identifying vectors for the development of methodology towards accounting for the dynamic abilities of regions for structural transformation.