Abstract
<jats:p>This article contributes to the discussion of the socio-economic indicators of the Arctic territories of Russia and the Arctic territories of the circumpolar countries. Based on descriptive statistics, this article summarizes the results and highlights the role of the Arctic states in the entire Arctic region. The economic development of Arctic territories and their interaction in socio-economic and innovation-technology terms are analyzed. Climate change in the Arctic is expanding the possibilities for utilizing the Northern Sea Route and developing underground resources. Based on empirical findings, a number of recommendations are formulated for effective interaction between Russia’s Arctic territories and circumpolar countries. The paper analyses changes in the level of cooperation between Russia and Western countries, including the cessation of most major joint projects and restrictions on scientific research. It discusses alternative strategies for the region’s development, based on strengthening domestic capacity and cooperation with Eastern partners, such as China. Changes in the Arctic also affect the rest of the world through the Arctic’s role in the global climate system, its contribution to global sea-level rise, and its impact on weather conditions in the mid-latitudes. The study highlights the need to establish a broader set of economic, social and environmental indicators for the Arctic territories of circumpolar countries. Sustainable funding for public monitoring programs and scientific research in circumpolar countries would contribute to the development of research capacity and a more holistic approach to understanding the effective, environmentally sustainable development of the Arctic for all circumpolar countries and the world as a whole. These measures should be closely linked to circumpolar/international initiatives to ensure wider access to information and its effective use in Russia’s cooperation with circumpolar countries.</jats:p>