Transport infrastructure of the Western and Central Arctic regions of the Russian Federation: analysis and prospects

For the sustainable development of territories, it is important to pay special attention to transport infrastructure, which directly affects the level of efficiency and competitiveness of the state (region) economy and forms the creation of a rational logistics system. Transport activates the work of the real sector of the economy (economic entities), carries out freight and passenger transportation, and is one of the significant sectors of the national economy, providing employment to the population, tax revenues to the budget system of the Russian Federation, investment attraction and GDP growth. The Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is strategically significant from the perspective of geopolitics and geo-economics in the modern world (12-15% of the country’s GDP, 25% of exports). In the article, the object of study is the Western and Central Arctic of the Russian Federation, including six of the eight subjects belonging to the Arctic territories. The methodological framework of the study is based on review and analysis of regulatory documents and scientific literature that determine trends and prospects for improving territories within the development of transport infrastructure. The information base is regional statistical information. The study and assessment of the level of transport infrastructure development of the studied region is carried out. Economic analysis is conducted using statistical methods that allow identifying the main reasons associated with the ineffective operation of transport infrastructure at the meso-level. Tables and figures are used to visualize the research results. This makes it possible to conduct a comparative analysis of territories by the level of transport infrastructure development, to identify leaders and outsiders to substantiate proposals for stimulating key areas, basing on the review of regulatory documents aimed at increasing the efficiency of functioning of this area.