Approaches to Assessing the Contribution of Digital Economy to Gross Domestic Product of the Russian Federation

Abstract

The article deals with assessment of digital economy contribution to economy of the Russian Federation. The author reviews the most frequently cited publications providing information about the volume of digital economy in GDP of Russia, as well as methods of this indicator estimation. The review was prepared by publications cited by Russian authors, which include research and analytical reports of the Russian Association of E-Communications, Boston Consulting Group and McKinsey. As a result the conclusion was reached that the absence of a unified concept of digital economy for statistics aims and a method of assessing the contribution of digital economy to GDP could hinder processes of digital transformation, as necessary tools of control and monitoring are not available. Classification principles used today in international statistics form the basis of product differentiation dealing with digital economy. At the same time experts acknowledge insufficient details in initial data for identification and classification of relevant types of products in orientation to national account data. In the future it is necessary on the basis of international organizations and home developments and concepts to work out steps aimed at encouraging presentation of digital economy spheres in the system of national accounts and creation of statistic tools, which could allow us to avoid fragmented study of digital economy.