Differentiation of the northern regions of Russia in terms of labor potential

The purpose of the study is to determine significant, sustainable differences between the northern regions of Russia in terms of labor potential of the population. The object of the study is the labor potential of the population of the northern regions of Russia. In order to develop the typology of regions, 22 indicators were selected for the period 2014-2020, characterizing the labor potential of the population and the conditions for its implementation. The correlation analysis has resulted in the formation of a feature space based on eight indicators that determine four blocks of labor potential components: a) demographic, b) health component, c) education, d) economic indicators reflecting interaction in the labor market. The typology has resulted in the identification of six stable types of regions that are characterized by specific inert processes due to cultural-historical and natural-climatic factors. It is revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the gap between regions in terms of labor potential increased, leaving the same ratio of regions. The proposed typology can be used for scientific research in the field of labor potential management the regional level. From a practical point of view, the work may be of interest to state authorities when developing managerial decisions in the field of implementing investment projects, especially within the framework of implementing the state program of socio-economic development of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. In addition, the recovery of the economy of certain Russian regions after the severe crisis caused by the pandemic is possible due to the increase in the labor potential of the population. The presented typology makes it possible to identify the priority areas, allows increasing the comprehensive indicator of labor potential, which is most relevant for the northern regions.