Digital transformation of the social sphere of an industrial region using the example of the Chelyabinsk region
Abstract Digital transformation is a process that covers all areas of life associated with the use of digital technologies. It involves introducing new technologies and changing the business models, processes and culture of organizations. Digital transformation can have a significant impact on the social sphere. This research is devoted to studyingthe process of digital transformation of the social sphere of an industrial region and developing a methodology for its assessment. The theoretical and methodological basis of the study are scientific ideas in the field of regional economics, spatial and regulatory analysis. When studyingthe problem of digitalization of the social sphere of an industrial region, the authors used system analysis, statistical methods, logical analysis, general scientific methods of cognition (scientific measurement, observation, analysis, synthesis, etc.), visual interpretation of research results. Digitalization of the social sphere in the region contributes to the development of an inclusive society in which all citizens have equal opportunities to access social services, while one of the main advantages of digitalization of the social sphere is improving the accessibility of social services for the population. In general, the Chelyabinsk region has its own characteristics and problems in the digital component of the social sphere, which require further development and improvement. However, in some aspects, the process of digital transformation of the social sphere is similar to the general situation in the Russian Federation, but at the same time it has its own specific features, depending on regional factors, such as the development level of the industrial sector of the economy, the volume of investments and the positions of regional authorities. The tools proposed in the article for assessing the level of digitalization of the social sphere of the region can be useful for regional and local authorities when developing strategies and programs for the development of digital transformation of the social sphere to achieve the best results.
Keywords: digital transformation, digitalization, social sphere, industrial region.
Highlights:
♦ based on the results of the study, trends in digital transformation in the Chelyabinsk region were identified;
♦ an analysis of the process of digital transformation of the social sphere of the region was carried out usingthe example of the Chelyabinsk region;
♦ the dynamics is investigated and the prospects for further development in this direction are determined;
♦ a methodology has been developed that allows regular monitoring of the process of digital transformation of the social sphere of an industrial region;
♦ the groundwork for further research and testing of the proposed methodology for the regions of the Russian Federation has been determined.
Svetlana A. Melenkina, Artyom 0. Uzhegov, Olga K. Tikhonova - Chelyabinsk Branch of the Institute of Economics of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Chelyabinsk, Russia