The Role of Infrastructure Innovations in Regional Development: Evidence from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

In the modern global economy, infrastructure innovation has become a crucial determinant of regional competitiveness, economic resilience, and long-term sustainable development. This is particularly relevant for geographically constrained, landlocked, or peripheral regions, where innovative infrastructure can alleviate structural disadvantages, strengthen connectivity with external markets, and enhance the efficiency of resource allocation. By reducing transaction costs, accelerating the movement of goods and information, and improving institutional and technological capacity, infrastructure innovation contributes to both economic growth and social cohesion. This study examines the role of infrastructure innovation in promoting regional economic development in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, a region characterized by its unique geopolitical position and limited transport corridors. Using an econometric time-series modeling framework, the research analyzes the long-run and short-run relationships between innovation-oriented infrastructure indicators and regional economic growth. The empirical findings reveal a statistically significant and positive relationship between infrastructure innovation and economic performance, confirming that innovation-driven infrastructure policies serve as a key pillar of sustainable and competitive regional development.