Статья

Introduction. The development of modern economy is largely based on digital transformation processes. The creation of a global Internet network, the growth of research and development and the popularization of mobile communications are only some of the factors that contribute to the digitalization of the economy. However, digital transformation may have different rates of formation at both the micro and macro levels, as well as differ in intensity depending on sectors of the economy and have country-specific features.

Essence and benefits of digitalization. The definitions of “digitalization” and “informatization” are similar, but not identical. For example, informatization primarily involves the introduction of information technologies in various areas of society in order to improve their effectiveness. At the same time, digitalization can be considered in a narrow and broad sense. In the first case, digitalization is defined as the transformation of information into digital information by means of new digital technologies, solutions and processes.

In a broad and more popular definition, this category involves not only the digitization of data, but also the introduction of new working principles, the use of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality, internet things and others, that increase the efficiency of companies, organizations, institutions and industries. Thus, in the most general sense, digitalization represents cultural, organizational and operational changes in an organization, industry or ecosystem through the deliberate and gradual integration of digital technologies, processes and competencies at all levels [1].

Digitalization and informatization processes are observed in most countries of the world and determine the development of the 4th industrial revolution and the transition to V and VI technological patterns. In Japan, however, informatization is seen as the basis for the construction of a 5.0 society, where it is planned to create a “super smart” society. This strategy involves focusing on the needs of each individual, which includes not only the technological restructuring of production facilities, but also addressing the challenges of an ageing population, the fight against cybercrime and other misdemeanors, and environmental issues, among others. A successful example of the digitalization of the public services sector is also the experience of Estonia, which has been able to build the most advanced e-government system to date and introduce an e-residence institute [2].

According to the economy of the Republic of Belarus, the digitalization of the economy is one of the key areas in the development and implementation of economic policy in the Republic. Thus, the country is implementing the Strategy for Development of Informatization in the Republic of Belarus for 2016-2022 [3], the State Programme for Development of the Digital Economy and Information Society for 2016-2020 [4] is in force, and Decree No. 8 “On Development of the Digital Economy” [5] was adopted. 

Digitalization is an integral part of the innovative development of the Republic of Belarus, priorities of which are defined in the State Programme for Innovative Development of the Republic of Belarus for 2016-2020 [6].

In turn, the High Technology Park is a catalyst for the development of the country's IT sector. The creation of an IT university is also under consideration.

The efforts that many governments are spending on digital transformation are well justified. Digital transformation has several positive features and advantages. Among the undeniable advantages are increased production efficiency, reduced costs for companies, the creation of new innovative products, greater coverage of various categories of companies' customers, improved service quality, the creation of new jobs mainly in the segment of a highly qualified workforce, personalization of services, and so on.