Методика оцінки інтеграційної близькості економік України та Канади у 2022–2025 рр.

The relevance of the study is determined by the growing role of international economic integration in ensuring sustainable development of countries under conditions of global transformations, digitalization of the economy, and increasing geopolitical instability. Integration proximity acts as an important indicator of strategic partnership between countries, creating prerequisites for the development of joint markets, cooperation projects, and investment attraction. The purpose of the article is to develop a comprehensive multi-criteria methodology for assessing the integration proximity of the economies of Ukraine and Canada, taking into account the specifics of modern integration processes in 2022–2025. The methodological basis of the study includes methods of systematic analysis of scientific sources, multi-criteria evaluation, integral indexing, statistical analysis of official data, content analysis of regulatory documents, and elements of expert surveys. The author proposes the definition of the term "integration proximity" and develops the Integration Proximity Index (IPI), which includes five groups of indicators: trade interaction, investment cooperation, regulatory compatibility, scientific and technological partnership, and socio-cultural interaction. The calculation of the IPI demonstrated a gradual increase in integration interaction between Ukraine and Canada – from 0.61 in 2022 to the projected level of 0.72 in 2025. The key growth factors and integration barriers were identified: activation of bilateral trade and investments, update of CUFTA, development of innovative projects, as well as restraining factors – raw material orientation of exports, political and security risks, the need for digital transformation of Ukraine’s economy. The theoretical significance of the study lies in improving approaches to assessing international economic integration. The practical value lies in the possibility of using the proposed methodology for monitoring integration interaction between Ukraine and Canada, as well as for strategic planning of bilateral cooperation. The methodology can also be adapted to assess the integration proximity of Ukraine with other strategic partners – in particular, the European Union, the United States of America, Japan, and other highly developed countries. Article type – theoretical and empirical.