Differentiation of Digital Infrastructure Development of Russian Arctic Regions

The article emphasized the conceptual differences in approaches to definition of regional digital infrastructure and synthesizes the author’s interpretation, reflecting both the technical and user components of digital infrastructure. The assessment of the digital infrastructure development of the Arctic regions of Russia was carried out using the suggested technique, which is based on a system of indicators characterizing the quality and accessibility of digital infrastructure, penetration and use of digital technologies, and allows us to identify differentiation not only in comparison with the average Russian level, but also the basic indicators of each region. The regions were grouped according to digital infrastructure development in 2023. The article reflects the dynamics of the sub-indexes and the integrated index for the period 2017–2023. Trends in scaling successful digital practices based on the modern technical and technological level of digital transformation in regions classified as the regions with highly developed digital infrastructure (Republic of Karelia, Murmansk Region, Arkhangelsk Region, Komi Republic) were identified. Also trends in the insufficient level of technological development, shortage of IT equipment and concentration of digital investments in regions classified as a group with an average level of digital infrastructure development (Krasnoyarsk Kray, Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Sakha (Yakutia) Republic) were presented. Based on the calculated indicators of the digital gap, the key factors determining the differentiation of digital infrastructure development in the Arctic regions of Russia were identified, including critical ones (human capital development in the ICT sector, intensity of digital transformation of organizations). The measures aimed at scaling successful digital practices between regions and reducing socio-economic inequality through digital inclusion are presented. Authors’ contribution. E.V. Nalivaychenko – substantiation of methodology and development of research concept, systemic presentation of the characteristics of digital infrastructure of a region and identification of development trends of the digital infrastructure of the Arctic regions of Russia, writing the text and general scientific editing of the article; A.D. Volkov – compilation of research algorithm, substantiation of the key factors determining the differentiation of the digital infrastructure of the Arctic regions of Russia; generalization of the research results; V.V. Kirsenko – content analysis of publications on the research topic, collection and analysis of empirical data.