He significance of the innovative way of economic development does not require any explanation. Yet, academicians, officials and businessmen discuss the drivers of innovative growth. In some cases, market forces and business initiate innovations, in others the initiatives come from the governmental institutions. Generally state supports business innovations by special measures. In the countries of Arctic zone, harsh climate, territorial remoteness and transport inaccessibility generate additional costs for entrepreneurship. Government has to compensate the extra costs by means of special rules, benefits and privileges, mostly, from the state budget. The state and business interact closely in quasi-markets, in particular, in the transport sector. The purpose of this study is to argue the reasonability of the innovative path for the Northern Sea Route development, taking into account the interests of both the state and private companies.