Assessing the Impact of the Factors in the Digital Transformation on the Regional Economic Growth

Abstract

Introduction. The scientific problem under consideration is of particular relevance due to the need to assess the impact of the factors in the digital transformation of the regional economy and in the economic growth on the economic development of the regions of the Russian Federation. Based on the research conducted, the article presents an econometric assessment of the dependence of the level of the gross regional product per capita in the regions of Russia on such factors as digital labor and digital capital. Materials and Methods. The authors analyzed panel data from the Federal State Statistics Service covering 87 regions of Russia for the period from 2010 to 2018. The research methodology is based on the use of the Cobb–Douglas production function, statistical and correlation data analysis, as well as on econometric methods for studying panel data. Results. To analyze the impact of the digital transformation of the economy on the regional economic growth of the regions of Russia, various models based on panel data have been considered, such as the pooled model, fixed effects models, random effects models, as well as time-varying effects models using dummy variables. Based on statistical criteria, the best model has been chosen and conclusions have been drawn about the nature of the impact of the digital transformation indicators on the gross regional product per capita in the regions of Russia. Discussion and Conclusion. The results of econometric modeling have demonstrated that digital factors in economic growth (digital labor, digital capital), along with common factors in economic growth (labor and capital), affect the regional economic growth. According to the regional data for the period from 2010 to 2018, the time fixed effects model has proved to be the best model of the impact of the factors in economic growth and digital transformation on the economic development of the regions of the Russian Federation. The research results can be used when developing a public policy aimed at stimulating the digital transformation of the regional economy.