DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON REGIONS’ COMPETITIVENESS

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of digital development on the competitiveness indicators of countries and regions. The research methodology was based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a structured technique adapted to solve the nonlinear optimization problem by choosing the most suitable scenario for the public administration of regions’ digital development. The analysis of digital competitiveness across European countries revealed that its development is quite uneven. Within the European Union, both digitalization leaders and outsiders were noted. Modeling three digitalization scenarios for Russia, China, the United States and the countries of Europe allowed defining Scenario 3 (accelerated digitalization) as the best way for managing their development in the context of digital transformation. The significance of the conducted research lies in the fact that it distinguished the digital economy components affecting both digital and overall regions’ competitiveness. The results obtained can be taken advantage of by individuals engaged in the field of economic activity to determine the role of various organizations, strategic levers, and indicators that ensure an effective response to challenges of competition in the regional and global markets.