Digital Inequalities In Russia

Abstract

The penetration of information and communication technologies into all spheres of human life has led to digital inequality both on the inter- and intra-country levels. The article presents the results of a study on the level of digital inequality in the Russian Federation's constituent entities. Coefficients of variation were calculated for indexes that present two groups (the use of information and communication technologies by the population (households) and the use of ICT by organisations), to measure the level of digital inequality in the Russian Federation regions the period 2014-2018. The analysis showed that the Russian Federation subjects are relatively homogeneous in terms of the level of digital technology use, both by the population and organisations. However, there is a significant spread between the regions between the minimum and maximum values of most studied indicators. Further clustering of Russian regions was carried out in terms of studied digital inequality indicators in 2014 and 2018. The level of digital inequality identified five groups of regions. The Russian Federation's movements from one group to another in 2018 compared with 2014 were analysed. The reasons for the transitions were identified. Thus, digital inequality is relevant for Russia and requires certain measures on the part of the state.