INTERCONNECTION OF THE PROCESS OF DIGITALIZATION AND THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between the digitalization of the economy at all levels and sustainable development, namely its impact on the economic, social and environmental components. To achieve the goal, a number of modern general scientific research methods and techniques were used, namely: abstract-logical, including analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction; clarification of the essence of the main concepts and categories, generalization – for the review of information sources, study of domestic and foreign experience; system analysis – for the purpose of a holistic perception of the object of research and a comprehensive analysis of the connections of elements within the defined problem as a whole; problem-oriented – for scientific substantiation of strategic priorities and their organizational and economic aspects. The digital economy is an important driving force of economic development and building a digital economy has become a global consensus. However, in accordance with the concept of sustainable development, the digital economy has both positive and negative effects on the social and environmental component. This article analyzed the impact of the digital economy on sustainable development in terms of the economy, society and the environment. Digital technologies are used in industry, education, energy, medical care, communal services and other industries, which significantly increases the efficiency of economic activity. Various countries have formulated a number of political strategies for the development of the digital economy. In 2020, although the economies of various countries have been greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the digital economy continues to show good development dynamics and good development prospects. The digital economy has become a key driving force for the world’s largest countries, which contributes to the sustainable recovery of the economy under the conditions of the impact of the pandemic. However, when a country develops a digital economy, it must pay attention to the problem of “digital inequality”, use digital technology to protect the ecological environment, and implement laws on electricity consumption. The theoretical conclusions, approaches and recommendations suggested in the article can be used to work out modern development strategies of both the state and the enterprise, in the conditions of the digitalization process to achieve the goals of sustainable development.