Мезоуровень в экономических исследованиях: необходимость или будущая жертва бритвы Оккама?

Abstract

Objective: to consider the feasibility of partitioning the meso-level in economic analysis alongside with the classical micro- and macro-levels.Methods: qualitative methods, discourse analysis, comparative analysis, generalization.Results: it is shown that the idea of partitioning the meso-level in economic research is from the very beginning associated with the evolutionary and institutional direction of economic research. It is established that, despite the ignoring of meso- economics by the leading economic trends, this concept is being applied in the economic literature for almost half a century. Based on the analysis of various economic studies, the author formulates an answer to the question about the need to partition the level of meso-economics. The meso-level is understood by the author as an ontological space for the rules formation and institutionalization. The introduction of the meso-level concept in the theory of institutional reforms can be justified by the need to develop the latter. A critical issue in the theory of institutional reforms is the problem of implementing reforms in the established institutional environment. We believe that the main processes of distortion of the implemented norms that contribute to the formation of inefficient institutional states unfold precisely at the theoretical meso-level. Understanding these relationships can lead to more effective strategies that take into account the risks of meso-economics.Scientific novelty: the article is one of the first to raise the question of feasibility of introducing the meso-level concept into economic analysis from the viewpoint of the theory of reforms.Practical significance: the results obtained by the author are useful for further development of meso-economic theory, as well as for the formation of the theory of reforms.