Digital Transformation in Russia: Problems, Challenges and Prospects

Digital transformation is a concept that represents to the state and companies the application of technologies and processes, which include digitizing data, cloud computing, the Internet of things and big data to gain competitive advantages in the domestic and global markets. Assessing how a digital transformation program is being implemented is a difficult task, given that there is no closed definition of the term and that the collection of information is not specifically aimed at the concept of digital transformation. Acknowledging these difficulties, the present study measures the presence of factors that characterize the digital transformation in the world. The analysis suggests that the existence of a digital infrastructure and combination with analytical capabilities for working with big data. Five homogeneous groups of countries were found, showing large differences between countries. The analysis and comparison of countries that fell into the cluster group with Russia and recommendations for improving the program of digital transformation in Russia based on international practices were made. The widespread adoption of the information and communication technology (ICT) is one of the most important conditions for the development of national economies of all countries. Along with the positive effects of the digital economy, new challenges have emerged, the response to which should be determined at the state level. The study of international experience is of great importance for the development of the digital economy in Russia and the implementation of the digital transformation program. The study was conducted on the basis of the US programs “Digital Economy Agenda”, the Chinese Internet Plus Action Plan and the Made in China 2025 Program, the Single Digital Market Strategy for Europe and the German Industry 4 Program, the Russian Digital Economy Program and “Strategy of development of the information society of the Russian Federation for 2017–2030”.