ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF DIGITAL MATURITY OF THE VOLGA FEDERAL DISTRICT USING THE EXAMPLE OF RURAL SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Issue № 6, 2026, article № 26, pages 289-296

Section:

Language: Russian

Original language title: ОЦЕНКА УРОВНЯ ЦИФРОВОЙ ЗРЕЛОСТИ ПРИВОЛЖСКОГО ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОГО ОКРУГА НА ПРИМЕРЕ СОЦИАЛЬНОГО РАЗВИТИЯ СЕЛЬСКИХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ

Keywords: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES, THE METHODOLOGY FOR ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE INTRODUCTION OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, VOLGA FEDERAL DISTRICT, REGIONAL ECONOMY, PROFITABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES, THE LEVEL OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION, THE LEVEL OF DIGITAL MATURITY OF THE REGION, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, DIGITAL INEQUALITY, DIGITAL SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGIES

Abstract: The current state of the regional economy is characterized by rapid digital transformation, the introduction of information and communication technologies in all spheres of life. This process is of particular importance for rural areas, since digitalization makes it possible to reduce the gap with the city, increase the availability of services and the quality of life of the population, which determines the relevance of this study. The main problem of the study is the lack of consideration of the specifics of rural areas in the existing methods of assessing the level of digitalization. The methodology proposed by the authors considers the relationship between the introduction of information and communication technologies, socio-economic development and management effectiveness at the regional level. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodological approach to assessing the level of digital maturity of the region, considering the specifics of socio-economic development of rural areas using the example of the Volga Federal District. The work uses a comprehensive method, including comparative, technical, economic and logical analysis. Statistical data on the use of information and communication technologies, socio-economic and financial indicators for 2020-2024 have been processed and systematized. The author's method of calculating the digital maturity index is proposed for the integral assessment. The analysis showed that the growth rate of digital maturity in the region over the study period was 104.34%. The authors have identified key imbalances in the provision of digital services to rural areas and proposed a methodology that makes it possible to quickly assess the dynamics of digitalization and identify factors affecting the sustainable development of the region. Effective digital transformation of the region is possible only with a holistic approach that considers the development of infrastructure, the formation of a modern regulatory framework, the development of human capital and the creation of conditions for equal access to digital services. Special attention should be paid to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas, which is the basis for the harmonious development of society and increasing the competitiveness of the region.

Authors: Bystrov Mikhail Antonovich, Rusakova Ekaterina Viktorovna