The impact of the digital divide of the Russian Federation regions on the e-commerce expansion

Abstract

Subject. This article discusses the prospects for the development of electronic commerce in Russia. Objectives. The article aims to identify and systematize the factors that determine the development of digitalization, as well as compare federal districts in terms of the degree of involvement of the population in the electronic commerce system. Methods. For the study, we used the methods of logical, comparative, and statistical analyses. Results. The article finds that the leaders in the development of electronic commerce are regions that are characterized by a high level of digitalization of the economy, namely the Central, Northwestern, and Volga (Privolzhsky) Federal Districts. Conclusions. The digital competence of the Russian population is the main factor determining the development of electronic commerce.