Migration trends in the Russian Arctic: Challenges and strategies for population retention

Ensuring adequate staffing for the industrial development of the Russian Arctic and strengthening its geopolitical sovereignty remain two critical challenges. Within this context, attracting and retaining the population in the Arctic is a critical area of research. Given the vast expanse of the Russian Arctic and the significant regional differences within it, there is a clear need for tailored management approaches that vary in content, target groups, mechanisms, and implementation strategies. This study examines migration flows across the Russian Arctic to identify key patterns and develop strategies for population retention. Particular attention is given to regional migration dynamics, with a focus on spatial, gender, and age-related differentiations that influence demographic trends in the Russian Arctic. The research objectives include analyzing structural variations in migration across Arctic regions, identifying migration patterns, systematizing the findings, and formulating policy recommendations for population retention. The study employs a range of research methods, including share analysis, average-based analysis, the Spearman correlation method, and critical analysis and synthesis of findings. The study's scientific contribution lies in identifying distinct characteristics of migration flows within the Russian Arctic, particularly the migration drivers of secondary school graduates, young professionals, and the working-age population. It also examines gender-based differences and age-related trends in population retention. The practical significance of this research lies in its potential to inform the development of region-specific policies for population retention. By considering regional migration differences, these insights can support government authorities and businesses in refining migration policies and addressing workforce challenges in the Arctic.