Achieving Synergy in the Russian Arctic: a Programme-Objective Approach

Abstract

Abstract The sustainable development of Russian Arctic requires new approaches to the planning and organisation of government initiatives. In this article, we discuss the Arctic region in terms of a system of interconnected elements (subareas), each having its specific development goals and features. The subareas of the Russian Arctic are classified into 7 types according their characteristics. A synergistic basis for sustainable development is formed by the combination of subareas’ development goals into a comprehensive programme using a programme-objective method. A development programme for the Arctic subareas based on a tree structure is advanced and possible development goals identified. It is concluded that a synergistic effect can be created by connecting Arctic subareas with each other in order to facilitate mutually beneficial interaction. A classification of the Arctic region according to its analytical decomposition in accordance with its specific functions and features is proposed. Types of subareas are: a) main towns – urban areas having a population of at least 1000 people having various infrastructure, buildings and structures; b) settlements; c) mineral and fossil fuel deposits; d) recreational areas and tourist attractions; e) fishing and reindeer herding areas; f) Northern Sea Route (NSR); g) objects of civil protection.