Исследование текущего состояния цифровой экономики в Королевстве Саудовская Аравия

Abstract

The article aims to examine the current state of the digital economy in Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Gulf region. The examination of the Kingdom's digital economy involved assessing its level based on various global digital indicators, which been picked and determined in accordance with the digital economy policy principles of the Kingdom. The position of Saudi Arabia and its ranking compared to other countries, particularly the G20 nations, was studied. The national strategy aimed at enhancing economic digitalization was analyzed, along with the contribution of the digital economy to the national economy. A weighted SWOT analysis was carried out, which made it possible to deter-mine the level of the current state of the digital economy of Saudi Arabia, as well as to determine its strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats. As a result of the study, the authors identified the need for extensive initiatives to improve digital literacy and promote collaboration between education and the private sector, as well as targeted technical education programs, development of the local electronics industry and the development of crisis manage-ment schemes. The proposed recommendations can be used to plan and implement measures to support and accelerate the process of digitalization of the economy in the Kingdom.