THE POPULATION OF THE KALININGRAD REGION AND THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Since 2019, the Kaliningrad Region has run a regional programme for digital transformation as part of the national initiative The Digital Economy of the Russian Federation. The programme seeks to improve the quality of life by creating information infrastructure and streamlining public administration. The regional Ministry of Digital Development has presented a report on programme implementation, which placed emphasis on economic performance. The study employed the questionnaire survey method to carry out a sociological analysis of the regional population as a participant in digital transformation. Quota sampling was used to select 384 respondents. Slightly over a half of the population had a positive attitude to digitalisation, and about 20 per cent believed that the digital economy led to the degradation of society. The development of a high-tech economy was named the main advantage of digitalisation and proliferation of digital surveillance, its distinct disadvantage. Kaliningraders reported heavy use of digital technology. Yet, the low indices of digital literacy and personal information protection raise concerns. The findings, which supplement the regional digitalisation report with sociological data, may help in planning and delivering activities within the regional digital transformation programme.