Specifics of Digitalization in Russia and its Regions under Uncertainty

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to reveal the specifics of digital development in Russia and its regions in the conditions of increasing uncertainty and to determine the directions of state policy that would ensure improvement in the economic system's stability. The authors use the analysis of theoretical literary sources, analysis and synthesis, systematization, comparative and economic analysis. Research identified three periods of uncertainty. Despite the positive dynamics of digitalization, in the period before the pandemic, the digital development of Russian regions was uneven. The uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the intensification of digital development, as well as launched new socio-economic transformations. The study revealed the tendency to increase expenditures on regions’ digitalization during the period of geopolitical tension and determined state policy directions for overcoming the negative impact of geopolitical uncertainty on economic systems. Financial and economic uncertainty has not become an obstacle to the development of a digital society. On the contrary, the expansion of digital infrastructure and social progress created conditions for its intensification.

Keywords

• digitalization
• digital development
• state
• national economy
• region
• uncertainty
• pandemic
• geopolitical instability
• financial crisis