Unequal Development of the Digital Economy in Federal Districts of Russia

Introduction. The article covers the main indicators of the use of information and communication technologies by business, households and the population of the federal districts of the Russian Federation. Methods. The study was carried out by analysis and comparison of statistical information about the use of information and communication technologies in the federal districts of the Russian Federation. The research information base includes the materials of Rosstat, compilations of science statistics and the information society of Rosstat together with the HSE, as well as annual reports of telecommunication companies. Results and Discussion. The authors of the research offered complex indexes of digitalization of federal districts, in terms of the use of information and communication technologies by organizations and the public. Based on these complex indicators, the research divides the federal districts into three groups: with an index value above the average Russian value, close to average value and below the average Russian value. For all three groups the researchers calculated the basic social and economic indicators and demonstrated the relationship between the standard of living of the population of the federal district and its digitalization index. The speed and subscription fee for Internet access relative to the corresponding indicators of Moscow were calculated as a characteristic of the accessibility of information and communication technologies for the population of federal districts. The researchers also analyzed the economic activity of the main companies providing telecommunication services in the federal districts of the Russian Federation. Conclusion. Despite the recent positive trends, there is a large gap between the federal districts in terms of the usage of information and communication technologies. The different level of “digitalization” of federal districts is closely related to the unevenness of their social and economic development. This negatively affects the living conditions of the Russian population, limits the ability of residents of certain regions to find work, get access to on-line education, do business, promote their goods and services. To reduce the backlog of the third group of federal districts, it is recommended to pay special attention to the development of their human capital and increase the availability of information and communication technologies for the population.