The relevance of the topic is determined by the strategic importance of Russia's Arctic zone as a unique region possessing colossal resource potential, requiring special ecosystem protection and development of transport infrastructure (primarily the Northern Sea Route), as well as the need to ensure international cooperation and achieve national socio-economic development goals. The goal of this article is to develop and theoretically substantiate priorities for the sustainable development of economic systems in regions of Russia's Arctic zone to effectively utilize natural resources, ensure the social well-being of the population, and minimize negative environmental impacts. The methodology is based on an approach incorporating theoretical and empirical methods of inquiry, primarily the principles of systems analysis, which allow us to consider Arctic regions as holistic socio-economic entities in constant interaction with the external environment. Analysis and synthesis are also used to study the structural elements of regional economic systems; induction and deduction are used to draw general conclusions based on specific observations. Results and conclusions. Key priorities for the sustainable development of the Arctic regional economic system are proposed based on the clustering of mineral resource centers (MRCs), where each element is closely interconnected. The core is the transport and logistics block, including port infrastructure, the transport network, energy supply, social infrastructure, and life support systems. This block organizes information support and international cooperation, facilitates effective interaction between all participants, and integrates the regional economic system into the global economic space. Scope of application. Using the recommendations proposed in this article in developing regional development strategies for the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation will enable the efficient use of natural resources, ensure the social well-being of the population, and minimize negative environmental impacts.
