Aspects of the Digital Transformation of the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route

The process of transition to a qualitatively new stage in the development of society and the economy consists in the transformation of the sphere of mass communications, as well as in the creation and implementation of digital technologies. However, the polarization of the geo-economic interests of the leading countries, leading to the emergence of "trade wars", the use of political and economic pressure tools, along with the growth of competition in the fi eld of digital technologies, creates a situation in which the Russian Federation needs to intensively use its competitive advantages and adapt to changing market conditions. This article raises issues related to the development of information infrastructure in the Arctic, including within the framework of the transport and logistics route "Northern Sea Route". According to the results of the analysis, the special importance of the development of fi ber-optic communication lines and satellite communication networks in the Arctic within the framework of the key projects "Polar Express" and "Sphere", respectively, as well as the creation of "smart ports" is noted. There is still insuffi cient budget funding, and the risks of the unprofi tability of digital infrastructure projects in the Arctic due to the high cost of delivering equipment and performing work in northern climatic conditions. Also, the results of the study reveal the expediency of formulating a concept (strategy) for the digital development of the Arctic, which can form the basis of legal regulation, outlining the digital aspect of the development of the above-mentioned region and the transport and logistics route.