Bulletin of
Vitebsk State
Technological
University

Abstract

Digitalization of the economy has a positive effect on the development of society, government, and business. However, the methodological tools for assessing the digital potential of the regions of the Republic of Belarus are not sufficiently developed. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology and assess the level of digital potential of the regions of the Republic of Belarus. The article analyzes existing global approaches to assessing the development of digital technologies and the readiness of countries, industries and enterprises to implement them: the Information and Communication Technology Development Index (IDI); the Network Readiness Index, published by the World Economic Forum jointly with the international business school (INSEAD); Global Connectivity Index; International Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI); and the International World Bank GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) rating. The main characteristics of the presented indices are highlighted and their main shortcomings are determined. As a result of the study, 27 parameters for assessing the digitalization of the regions of the Republic of Belarus were identified, which were grouped into five blocks: innovative development of regions, digital development of organizations in the regions, population access to digital technologies, digitalization of social institutions, digitalization of public services. Based on the selected parameters and grouped blocks, an original methodology for assessing the level of digital potential of the regions of the Republic of Belarus was developed. The novelty of the developed methodology for assessing the level of digital potential of regions through a comprehensive analysis of economic, social and institutional parameters lies in the fact that the methodology takes into account the specifics of the Belarusian economy (features of statistical accounting) and the digitalization process in the country, as well as international experience in assessing digital transformation.

Digital potential of the region: theoretical aspects and assessment in the Republic of Belarus