Transformation of development and financing mechanisms for the Russian Arctic: Establishing a system of anchor zones and settlements

The need to identify optimal tools for ensuring the development of Russia’s priority regions has become increasingly important within the public administration system. This study aims to examine the features and challenges of implementing national Arctic policy in the Russian Federation, as well as to propose ways to improve the effectiveness of mechanisms for developing the Russian Arctic through the establishment of anchor zones and settlements. The paper analyzes the transformation of approaches to implementing national Arctic policy. It finds that, at present, the development of the Russian Arctic relies on a combination of special economic zone formation and the creation of a framework for supporting cities and agglomerations. Based on an investigation into the specifics of creating anchor zones within the Russian Federation, the study identifies several issues and risks, including potential imbalances in territorial development, lack of systematic regulation, challenges in implementing strategic planning for the development of anchor zones and agglomerations, and the failure to execute planned measures due to the country’s limited financial resources. The study proposes several solutions to improve the effectiveness of development mechanisms for the Russian Arctic. These include optimizing the regulatory framework for strategic planning processes, improving the coherence of mechanisms through the creation of a national project for developing key Arctic cities, and developing tools to attract financial resources through public-private partnerships. The work utilizes a variety of scientific research methods, including analysis of norms and regulations, review of scientific literature, synthesis, analysis, generalization, comparison, and classification. The scientific contribution of the study lies in clarifying the content and hierarchy of strategic territorial development documents, as well as offering recommendations to improve national Arctic policy. Future research will focus on developing tools and mechanisms to attract financial resources in order to achieve the goals and objectives outlined in the strategic documents for the development of the Russian Arctic.