Diversification of the Northern Region's Economy: The Role of Creative Industries (based on the example of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra)

Abstract

The article examines current trends in the diversification of the economy of a region, which is classified as an area of the Far North and areas equivalent to the Far North. The purpose of this work is to determine the potential of creative industries in the diversification of the economy of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra as a northern resource-based region. The methodological framework draws on the creative economy and creative industries theories, alongside the concepts of regional diversification, sustainable development, and spatial polarization. The information base comprises official statistical data, reports from regional authorities, and ratings agencies. By advancing research on diversification challenges and the formation of the creative sector under the specific conditions of the Far North, this work contributes both to the theory of regional economics (expanding the understanding of economic diversification mechanisms in northern regions) and to the economics of creative industries (identifying structural features of their development in a mono-specialized resource-based territory). The study provides a detailed analysis of the state of the creative sector in Ugra’s economy, its structural imbalances, and the key drivers and barriers to growth. The authors confirm the high degree of raw materials specialization in the Ugra’s economy and concluded despite the favorable environment and support infrastructure, the development of creative industries in the region is characterized by structural imbalances, a low share in the GRP, and high territorial concentration. It is concluded that Yugra possesses a deferred potential for the development of the creative economy, the realization of which requires overcoming challenges and integrating the creative sector with the region’s traditional industries of specialization. The concept of deferred potential of creative industries is introduced as an original theoretical contribution. By deferred potential, the authors understand the gap between the established institutional and infrastructural environment supporting creative industries and the actual macroeconomic performance of the creative economy sector, which fails to demonstrate commensurate growth.

To cite: Sibryaeva A.A., Turgel I.D. Diversification of the Northern Region's Economy: The Role of Creative Industries (based on the example of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra). Research in Economic and Financial Problems. 2026;2:1. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31279/2782-6414-2026-2-1