The article summarizes the results of the 26th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2023), which took place in St. Petersburg from June 14 to 17, 2022. V. P. Zhuravel, Head of the Centre for Arctic Studies of the Institute of Europe RAS, is a permanent member of the Forum. In 2023, he attended the meetings of all 15 events of the “Arctic: Territory of Dialogue” program. The article deals with issues that were widely discussed at SPIEF-2023, related to the prospects and opportunities for international cooperation, social, economic and investment development of the Arctic regions, Arctic biodiversity, development of specially protected natural areas, northern cities, human resources, scientific and educational potential of the Arctic, branding of the northern regions, digitalization of the northern territories. All these topics are widely covered by the CAS IE RAS scientific group on a regular basis. The author also analyses the development of the tourism, culture, and film industries in the Arctic with a focus on the promotion of Arctic topics in the media. Speakers of the thematic sections emphasized the increasing role of the Arctic in the social and economic development of the Russian Federation, noted the negative consequences of limiting the activities of the Arctic Council. The forum was held under the slogan “Sovereign development is the basis of a just world. Let's join forces for the sake of future generations”.

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Arctic Agenda of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2023)

Zhuravel V.P.

Статья научная

The article summarizes the general results of the 26th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2023), which took place in St. Petersburg from 14 to 17 June 2023. The author, as a participant of the forum, attended all 15 events of the business program “The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue”, organized by the Ministry for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic. The article focuses on the problems of international cooperation, including with Asian countries, and the development of the Northern Sea Route.

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Arctic Corporations and Development Risks: Challenge and Response

Pilyasov A.N., Tsukerman V.A.

Статья научная

The realities of the Russian Arctic in recent decades make it possible to determine a special phenomenon of corporate development risks, which can be structured into resource, institutional and ecosystem risks. The resource risk reflects the contradiction between the conjuncture of the global resource markets and the specific conditions for the development of unique deposits located in the Arctic zone; institutional risk — between federal norms and rules for the development of natural resource deposits and local specific conditions for the construction and operation of resource facilities in the Arctic; ecosystem risk reflects the contradiction between large-scale economic activity and the fragility of Arctic natural systems. As a result of a comparative assessment of the development risks of three Arctic corporations in Russia, it was found that the highest risk is typical for the facilities of Norilsk Nickel, the lowest — for NovaTEK, and Gazpromneft is in the middle. Using the OLI paradigm of John Dunning, it can be argued that Arctic corporations respond to the challenge of development risks by adapting their spatial, institutional and organizational structure to the conditions for the development of resources and resource territories. The spatial factor is most efficiently used by Norilsk Nickel, then NovaTEK, in the strategy of adaptation to development risks, with the receipt of benefits from localization and the creation of a regional cluster, while Gazpromneft is the least effective. The institutional factor is most effectively used by NovaTEK and Gazpromneft, and the least by Norilsk Nickel. The organizational and structural factor as a tool for adapting to risks is most skillfully used by Gazpromneft, weaker — by NovaTEK and Norilsk Nickel. Integrally, the best positions in the strategy of adaptation to development risks are held by Gazpromneft, and the worst positions by Norilsk Nickel, which has the most significant contrast between the size of development risks and the means of adaptation to them. Strengthening the internal competencies of the company and its corporate innovation system is the most important way to successfully cope with the high risks of corporate development of resources and spaces of the Arctic.

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Arctic Forecasting: Formation of a Research Field

Kotov A.V.

Статья научная

In the domestic literature, there are still not enough works devoted to a comprehensive description of the phenomenon of Arctic forecasting. This article distinguishes it from the general socio-economic context. The analysis of foreign studies on Arctic forecasting technologies and key factors allowed us to reveal the research question: can Arctic forecasting be considered a highly specific area? The work has examined physical-geographical and resource factors: climate, maritime transport, ice cover, oil production and others. Studies demonstrating the interrelation of factors were widely used: for example, climate and energy, social and economic changes. Based on the authors’ approaches, a typology of Arctic forecast models has been developed, taking into account the number of variables considered and the quantitativequalitative nature of the specifications. In the course of analyzing the dynamics of the research agenda of the European symposium “The Future of the Arctic”, the evolutionary formation of the topic of Arctic forecasting is shown. The main feature is its reliance on resources as the basic essence of the Arctic economy. It is shown that the involvement of Arctic resources in the economic turnover depends on the world technological dynamics: through natural resources the Arctic economy is connected with the world economic processes. The phenomenon of Arctic forecasting includes a more merged, multitasking nature of naturalclimatic and economic modelling than standard models for studies of environmental dynamics, with forecasting of positive and adverse social and economic consequences. The presented results structure the phenomenon of Arctic forecasting for the development of methodological approaches to substantiate the prospects for the development of polar and northern regions. The considered factors will be useful in developing state policy measures in relation to the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.

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Arctic Military Posturing and Its Influence on the Development of the Northern Sea Route

Bhagwat J.V.

Статья научная

The author traces the evolution of military presence in the Arctic by Russia and NATO in the article. He analyses the impact of military posturing on Arctic geopolitics. The author advocates that while military capabilities are essential for deterrence, unnecessary military rhetoric by NATO and Russia is detrimental to peace and security in the Arctic. Arctic geopolitics is fraught with tensions due to regular highly publicized military exercises and posturing in the area. The new Arctic Cold War is likely to affect Russia more adversely due to Western sanctions post-2014 and the requirement to develop the NSR as an internationally competitive transport corridor. Russia has a legitimate right to protect its security in the Arctic. However, the author argues it is unnecessary to highlight such events regularly, and it may be more useful to focus on the economy and rationalize military spending. Russia needs to focus on its relationship with the Nordic countries and reemphasize its peaceful and cooperative engagement in the Arctic. Its leadership of the Arctic Council is crucial to reducing tensions in the Arctic.

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Arctic Regions’ development problems and prospects (based on the expert survey)

Katorin Igor V., Churakov Andrey A.

Статья научная

The article presents the results of the survey made in Arkhangelsk, Murmansk region and Nenets Autonomous District. The assessment of the Arctic policy at the federal level and the evaluation of the system of support of the population of the Arctic are in the focus of the article. The authors reflect on the inter-‐regional cooperation, the Arctic regional policies and prospects of the region.

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Arctic Sessions of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2024)

Zhuravel V.P.

Статья научная

The article summarizes the general results of the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2024, Forum), which took place in St. Petersburg from 5 to 8 June 2024. The author participated in two main Arctic sessions, which were devoted to the Northern Sea Route and international aspects of Arctic development, and interacted with practitioners from federal and regional ministries and transport companies. This article is devoted to analysing these sessions.

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Arctic Sheep Breeding in Russia: History and Prospects

Fedorov P.V., Orishev A.B., Sherstyuk M.V.

Статья научная

The article analyzes the phenomenon of Arctic sheep breeding in Russia. In pre-Soviet times, sheep farming spread across the vast territory of the Arkhangelsk province, up to the coasts of the Barents and White Seas. Interest in sheep breeding in the North was shown not only by the immigrant population, but also by the indigenous Sami people. New information about the use of sheep in the farms of the Kola Peninsula in the early 20th century, obtained from the State Archives of the Murmansk Oblast, is being introduced into scientific circulation. Local features of animal husbandry and feeding, as well as market prices for sheep products, are presented. For a long time, this branch of animal husbandry was tied to the needs of the household. During the Soviet era, this experience was rethought, as a result of which sheep breeding became one of the priorities of agricultural production in the Murmansk Oblast. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, as a result of a shift towards cattle, pigs and poultry, the sheep population in the region declined. The transformations of the 1990s led to stagnation and almost complete loss of this branch of animal husbandry. Historical experience is important in modern conditions for the revival of sheep farming in the Arctic territories.

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Arctic Tourism as a Driver of Sustainable Development of the Territory: Research of the Interest of Local Stakeholders in the Komi Republic

Knyazeva G.A., Porotnikova N.A., Antipov V.V., Makukha V.V.

Статья научная

In recent decades, interest in Arctic tourism has been growing at a high rate all over the world. The relevance of this area is also increasing against the background of global climate change and the development of so-called “last chance tourism”. The Russian Arctic has unique competitive advantages in the Arctic tourism market, preserving vulnerable Arctic and tundra landscapes under various anthropogenic activities, a large number of national parks and historical and ethnographic heritage. At the same time, a number of single-industry towns are also concentrated there, which have practically no revenue base. According to many researchers, Arctic tourism can become a driver for the sustainable development of the territory and local communities of these towns. But to realize this scenario, the interest of local stakeholders — representatives of government, business and the population — is necessary. This article is devoted to the analysis of the results of a study of local communities’ interest in tourism development as a driver of sustainable development of the territory. The Arctic zone of the Komi Republic, namely the former mining town of Inta, was chosen as the area of study. The results of desk and field studies carried out within the framework of the research expedition in the Arctic zone of the Komi Republic are described. A comparative analysis of international studies on the topic has been carried out, a conceptual model of the attitude of local communities in the Arctic to the development of tourism in the region and the results of in-depth research and focus groups with key stakeholders of tourism in the Komi Republic have been described, limiting factors and potential for the development of Arctic tourism have been identified on the example of the selected territories.

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Arctic council: outcome of the first year of the icelandic presidency

Zhuravel Valery P.

Статья научная

In the article based on the report of the Chairman of the Committee of Senior Officials in the Arctic Council, Einar Gunnarsson «Together on the road to a sustainable Arctic: one year in 2019-2021 of the presidency of Iceland», the first year of Iceland’s Arctic Council presidency is reviewed by the Senior Officials Committee. Key priorities for action are identified, which are protecting the Arctic marine environment, combating ocean acidification; sustainable development of the fisheries sector; reducing ocean pollution; combating marine debris; combating climate change and introducing green energy; ensuring the sustainable development of the indigenous community of the Arctic; continuing to strengthen and enhance the role of the Arctic Council in maintaining peace, international cooperation and political stability in the Arctic region. Also, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Icelandic presidency and the development of Arctic cooperation are being considered. Of interest is the analysis of measures taken to counter the pandemic among the small indigenous communities of the North, Siberia and the Russian Far East. Iceland’s plans for the second year of its chairmanship of the Arctic Council are indicated. The author also discusses Russian-Icelandic cooperation at the current stage in the economic field and in the sphere of interregional relations. It is noted that our countries share a common memory of the joint struggle against fascism, and Russia remembers with gratitude Iceland’s contribution to the formation and support of polar convoys.

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Arctic frontier: Ice Silk Road and its role in China's advance to the Arctic

Elena G. Ushakova

Статья научная

In recent circumstances of world climate change, Arctic zone has become of great interest for those countries actively involved in its development. With the constant climate warming, deglaciation and increasing of sea-level, commercial transport ways through the Arctic Ocean become a possible economic solution for large exporting countries. Due to importance of north passage for China, Beijing proclaimed itself as a "near-circle State" to get advantages from the development of Northern Sea Route (NSR) that can provide direct access to the Arctic zone and its natural resources. Considering this, China has recently published its White Paper on Arctic Policy, where it announces "Ice Silk Road" to be the official Arctic strategy of China. This article underlines the major intentions and interests of China in its Arctic strategy. One of China's intentions is an enhancement of the Northern Sea Route, that still raises concerns from the specialists whether it can be applicable part of Arctic strategy of China. This article approves that according to Ice Silk Road's connotation Russia should play an indispensable role in China's advancement to the Arctic zone through NSR. Moreover, the author investigates the influence of "Ice Silk Road" on Sino-Russian relations. Both China and Russia appear to prioritize this strategy to ameliorate economic situation and infrastructure in less-developed regions of two countries. Though, economic development of Arctic coastal cities is one of the priorities of the Russian Federation, it remains to be attentive to the involvement of China in the development of the region, mainly out of fear that it will influence its legal position in the Arctic region. Meanwhile, it stays important that two governments come to a consensus concerning the legislative basis of NSR usage and have a deep assessment of advantages and disadvantages that come out as a result of their partnership.

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Arctic interests and policy of France

Yuri I. Rubinsky

Статья научная

The author considers scientific, economic and political activities of France for the development and exploration of the Arctic, providing security there. Along with some other non-Arctic countries, France is not ready to accept such a situation when eight members of the Arctic Council solve Arctic problems on behalf of all mankind.

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Arctic is not faceless. Arctic is real people, with their own history and experience

Dzhuraev Ildar I.

Статья научная

Ildar Dzhuraev told the Journal about his life in the Arctic, work as a top manager, his professional achievements in the management of a municipal institution and plans for 2015. He presented his assessment of the development of the North, emphasizing the uniqueness of Taimyr, where almost all mineral resources could be found. He noted that Taimyr was inhabited by really strongwilled people with high potential and ability to work, who were concerned about the problems of the Arctic and were willing to contribute to its development.

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Arctic projects of the Arkhangelsk Region

Aleksey V. Alsufev

Статья научная

The article analyzes the implementation of the state order for military defense products and the potential of Severodvinsk shipyards and shipbuilding innovative cluster. The area has a number of successfully implemented projects in the region and development industry for diamond deposits. The project aimed at development of lead-zinc deposit “Pavlovsk” on the Novaya Zemlya is done. Arkhangelsk region becomes a leader in the development of bioenergy on the principles of “green economy”, and it operates an innovative timber cluster “PomorInnovaLes”. The real breakthrough is the establishment of the RAS Federal Research Center for the complex study of the Arctic in Arkhangelsk. In general, our region is not just the area occupied with generating new ideas and projects, but also preserving cultural and historical traditions.

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Arctic strategy of the subarctic states: general and especial

Komleva Natalia

Статья научная

There are considering in comparison the arctic strategies of the main arctic states: Russia, USA, Canada, Norway, Denmark. The author stresses the high level of Russian arctic strategy working out and the soft power using in the north strategy of Norway.

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Arctic subsea communication cables and the regional development of northern peripheries

Juha Saunavaara

Статья научная

Some years ago, the Arctic Ocean was still described as one of the last oceans that did not have subsea communications cables across it. This situation is now changing. One of the greatest increases in global data transfer is predicted to be traffic between Asia and Europe, and the Arctic Ocean offers a shortcut, making physical cable connections shorter and decreasing latency. Recent developments regarding two ongoing subsea communications cable projects (Quintillion and Arctic Connect), which aim to connect East Asia and Europe, are discussed, and the connection between these projects and regional development policies in Hokkaido and northern Finland are analysed. It is shown that the proposition that improved international connectivity through subsea communications cables could bring information-intensive industries into the region had been stronger in Finland. This is largely due to a lack of information and awareness concerning these projects among the regional actors in Hokkaido; however, no concrete policy or funding instrument has been developed in either of the case regions.

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Arctic tourism in the Barents Sea region: current situation and boundaries of the possible

Sevastyanov Dmitriy V.

Статья научная

The modern features and peculiarities of the organization of the Arctic tourism in the Russian Federation are considered. Over the past ten years, the geography of recreational nature management and international tourism in the Russian Arctic has significantly expanded. Among the northern countries, Russia has the longest coastline in the Arctic seas and the largest sector of the adjacent shelf and waters of the seas of the Arctic Ocean. So its economic and political interests in the polar zone are obvious. However, compared with neighboring Arctic countries, in the Russian Federation for several reasons the potential of Arctic tourism is far from being fully utilized, and its further development is regulated by natural and anthropogenic factors. On the example of the actively developing Arctic cruise tourism in the Barents Sea region, the existing problems and prospects of the possible development of tourism in the Arctic in modern conditions are discussed. Based on the studies characterizing the modern development of Arctic tourism in general and in the Barents Sea basin in particular, the author made generalizing conclusions, which list the factors limiting the development of Arctic tourism in the Russian Federation.

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Arctic: nanotechnology, military-industrial complex, Investment, national idea

Lukin Yury F.

Статья научная

Review of materials of the international investment summit on investment and development of the nano, engineering and biological, information and communication technologies, fuel and energy and raw material base of the Arctic region, the Arctic as a Russian national idea.

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