Scientific and institutional capacity for complex development of the russian arctic zone in the medium and long term perspectives

In this paper, the redevelopment of the Russian Arctic is conceptualised as the largest mega project and the country’s new northern vector of social and economic development in the medium and long term. The related problems are analyzed. The scientific capacity required to solve this problem is evaluated. Recommendations are proposed to strengthen and further develop the research base of the Russian Arctic studies. The current state of indigenous peoples is considered to analyze the institutional problems and offer solutions involving the legal support and regulation of social and humanitarian aspects of the complex development of the Arctic in the medium- and long-term future. An assessment of the existing institutional framework under-pinning the development and implementation of the Arctic mega project is provided. Recommendations to improve the organization of the mega project based on the program-oriented approach are introduced.