Digitalization as a determinant of transformation of the real sector of the economy of the macroregion (using the example of the North Caucasus Federal District)

   Purpose: is to study of the processes of digitalization and digital transformation of the real sector of the economy of the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District.   Methods: the methodological basis of the study was the concept of the digital economy, the theoretical principles of supply-side economics, the systems approach, trend analysis and predictive analytics. The study is based on the use of the methods of economic and statistical analysis, scientifi c abstraction, analogies and scientifi c generalizations. The methods used are characterized by validity and show a high degree of eff ectiveness.   Results: digitalization and digital transformation processes are underway in the North Caucasus Federal District, but the pace remains low. To accelerate these processes, it is necessary to solve two interrelated problems: fi rstly, to materialize the processes of digitalization and digital transformation in the real sector of the economy of the regions of the federal district, and secondly, to train personnel in certain specialties who can eff ectively operate digital technologies. In the fi rst case, it is possible to use the model of catch-up development at the regional level, which will make it possible to implement the principle of “advantage of backwardness” and use the accumulated global and regional experience in the transition to the modern trends in the operation of digital technologies. In the second case, it is proposed to organize special centers in the subjects of the district for retraining digital technologies specialists with the necessary competencies and/or advanced training with the issuance of the confi rming certifi cates. Such centers could train exclusive specialists at the request of enterprises or engage in refresher training and retraining of the necessary specialists. The creation of the centers is possible on the basis of public-private partnership.   Conclusions and Relevance: the main task of the digital transformation of industry is considered to be the modernization of production process management, which will lead to the signifi cant increase in labor productivity. To implement such a scenario, the economic entities in the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District need to move away from the traditionalist approaches that take place in the organization and management of enterprises, and switch to the processes of digitalization and digital transformation of the real sector of the economy of the district.