Innovative development of the Arctic territories in the framework of ensuring national competitiveness

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of innovative development, advantages and threats of the Arctic zones belonging to Russia, Norway and Sweden by rating positioning using mathematical analysis methods. In order to determine the strengths and weaknesses of Russia among its Arctic competitors a comparative analysis was carried out using the index (coefficient) of innovative development of all these research subjects. The study also included the comparison of the parameters that make up its categories (enlarged group indicators) and subcategories (single indicators included in the categories). The results of the comparative analysis showed that for most of the studied indicators included in the subcategories (‘labor productivity’, ‘foundation of new enterprises’, ‘certification’, ‘high-tech production’, etc.), Russia lags far behind Norway and Sweden. Russia’s advantages lie in such subcategories as the development of innovative links between universities and the industrial sector in R&D, trade, diversification, and scope of market. Russia also successfully competes in such subcategories as business environment formation and creation of information and communication technologies. It was noted that these areas are promising for Russia and they should be given great attention to increase the competitiveness of Russia’s Arctic.