Digital Agenda Research Articles

IMPACT OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY ON THE DIGITAL ECONOMY

Purpose. The article explores the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and their role and place in the dynamics of the digital economy. The aim of this research is to assess the impact of the digital economy on GDP per capita in EU countries. Methodology. Analysis of ICT as a key factor in enhancing economic growth through the implementation of digital technology opportunities. Panel data from Eurostat and the World Bank covering EU countries from 2014 to 2021 were used for analysis. A correlation analysis was then conducted between variables, and the model was relevant for forecasting. Results. The number of studies on the impact of Information and Communication Technologies on the economic growth of countries has increased in recent years. However, there is still no assessment of the real GDP impact on the level of household Internet access in the EU area. Studying this gap in the literature allows us to draw conclusions about the implications for stakeholders regarding more effective implementation of the digital agenda. Scientific novelty. The digital economy, measured by Internet, mobile phone, and fixed broadband access, influences the economic growth of a country. This, in turn, depends on the level of technology measures covering the digital economy. ICT positively influence the development of countries' economies and can be used as tools by stakeholders. These agents should generate policies that enhance ICT technological infrastructure, digital empowerment of the population, and greater access to ICT. The GDP level model is presented as a function of Internet access for households in the EU area along with a short-term forecast for this index. It is shown that investments in ICT infrastructure are indispensable for the development of a strong knowledge- and digital technology-based economy. Practical significance. The research results will help in identifying opportunities and levers of influence for governmental institutions and other socio-economic systems on the impact of digital economy development processes on GDP per capita in EU countries.

Digital Knowledge Management in the Arab Region (Challenges and Solutions)

The Arab world faced many development challenges (at the educational, economic, and educational levels...), especially after the outbreak of the Corona pandemic, which imposed the need for digital transformation based on managing digital knowledge and achieving sustainable development. Nowadays, the concept of "knowledge economy" concept has become a necessity; given that global competitiveness is tautly related to the government’s ability to support knowledge generation and application to foster economic growth. Considering the disparity between the Arab countries in terms of technological progress, and the use of modern technologies, besides the absence of a joint Arab digital cooperative agenda, in addition to the growing digital divide that occurs for several reasons (political, financial, social, technical, scientific...); what are the chances of achieving the sustainable development goals 2030? Through his study, we attempted to shed light on the need to invest in digital transformation and digital knowledge management to achieve sustainable development. We study the current situation in the Arab region, and the challenges it faces, then we highlight the expected future scenarios if the Arab States continue to proceed in the same. Ultimately we present some possible solutions that could contribute create regional cooperation between the Arab countries, and bridging, or at least reducing the digital divide, by establishing an Arab agenda for digital development by the year 2040.

Assessing the Rise of Dedicated Digital Engagement Platforms for Local Planning

Digitally mediated participation in planning processes has grown significantly. In an emergent digital turn for participatory planning scholarship, there is a growing body of research attempting to trace this growth and grapple with its implications. This paper explores how planning scholars and practitioners can deepen their critical stance toward digital modes of participatory planning. In Canada, this approach becomes especially important given the recent and widespread adoption of a specific digital platform type used to support participatory decision-making at the municipal level. Across the country, many towns and cities have embraced what I call Dedicated Digital Engagement Platforms (DDEPs). Despite their growing influence, these platforms for community involvement have not been previously quantified at a nation-wide level, nor thoroughly examined in planning scholarship. New evidence presented here defines DDEPs and documents the extent of their use by local and regional municipalities across Canada. In light of the growing prominence of these platforms, this article then provides the foundation for a more critical digital participation research agenda that draws on important debates in wider planning theory regarding democratic decision-making, the commercialization of deliberative democracy, and the platformization of public participation.

МЕТОДИЧНІ ПІДХОДИ ЦИФРОВОЇ ЕКОНОМІКИ В РАКУРСІ СТАТИСТИЧНИХ МЕТОДІВ ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ

The spread of digital technologies over a long period determines the development trajectories of the economy and society and has more than once led to radical changes in people's lives. The formation of a digital economy is one of the priority directions for most countries of the world. As a rule, they are characterized by a long period of implementation of the "digital development agenda" and the succession of priorities - from the construction of the basic information and communication infrastructure to the formation of a coordinated policy in this area and programs to support the wide implementation of digital technologies. In recent years, the transformation of activity models in the business and social sphere has been unfolding, caused by the emergence of digital technologies of the new generation, which, due to the scale and depth of influence, have received the name "end-to- end": artificial intelligence, robotics, the Internet of Things, wireless communication technologies. According to estimates, their widespread implementation can significantly increase labor productivity. In the near future, it is the effective use of modern statistical methods of forecasting that will shape new methodological approaches to the digital economy and determine the competitiveness of both individual companies and entire countries that form the infrastructure and legal environment for further digitalization. The article considers the methodological aspects of the use of multidimensional statistical methods, methods of economic statistics and information technologies in the study of the economic direction "digital economy". The peculiarities of the application of various statistical approaches, as well as the possibility of their combined use, are noted. Features of forecasting the main indicators of the socio- economic sphere are presented.

New policies, new behaviors: How digital taxation shapes mobile money use in Ghana

AbstractThe transition from traditional to digital payment platforms is reshaping domestic revenue mobilization, with significant impacts on sectors like agriculture, health, business, education and economy. This transition, while presenting both challenges and opportunities, has the potential to foster economic growth and boost revenue mobilization. This paper investigates how digital taxation or electronic levy (e‐levy) has shaped mobile money (MoMo) adoption in Ghana since the introduction of e‐levy on digital financial transactions. The underlying theories supporting this study include the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Social Norm Theory (SNT), and Expectancy‐Confirmation Theory (ECT). A cross‐sectional design was employed, and data was collected from 206 participants (mobile network subscribers) through a self‐administered online survey conducted and applied a partial least square structural equation modeling technique. The findings indicate that inherent innovativeness, the structure of the tax, and social tax compliance norms significantly influence citizens' compliance attitudes towards e‐levy in the context of a developing country. Conversely, the study found that potential taxpayers' attitudes towards e‐levy do not determine their intention to pay (actual use) e‐levy. In this respect, recommendations to drive the digital taxation agenda among government revenue agencies in developing countries are (i) continuous inherent innovativeness on the part of the government, (ii) ensuring compliance attitudes towards e‐levy, (iii) proper structuring of the tax components and (iv) ensuring ease of use of the system. These findings provide governments and revenue agencies, particularly those in developing countries, with valuable insights into citizens' behavioral change towards digital taxation on MoMo transactions. An effective convergence of the determinants discussed in this research would expedite government mobilization efforts for electronic levies and promote development.

‘Everyone keeps telling us it's going to die’: A close examination of ‘myths’ clouding local newspaper futures in Australia

Digital adaptation is often considered the panacea to the local journalism crisis in Australia. As a result, this digital first agenda has perpetuated ‘death and doom’ narratives about some traditional strategies and practices, especially in regards to the future of printed local newspapers. This paper draws on interviews and focus groups with local news owners, journalists, editors, advertising staff and managers who work for small independently owned titles in rural and regional Australia to suggest there are three key myths which are deeply interwoven and impact perceptions of local news media realities: that print is dead, the traditional advertising model has collapsed and there are no jobs in journalism. We suggest these myths can cloud discussions around the targeted and systemic solutions needed to secure local news futures.

African agency in ICT infrastructure provider choice: Navigating access to foreign finance and technology

After nearly three decades of “ICT for development”, the rollout of ICT backbone infrastructure remains challenging throughout Africa. African states do not only depend on the technology of foreign companies but must also seek external finance to pay for it. This dual dependency puts African governments in a vulnerable position, leading us to inquire: to what extent does the dual dependency on foreign finance and technology affect African agency in ICT infrastructure provider choice? The paper proposes a model that distinguishes between the agency of higher and lower income countries. Elaborating on the latter, the model assumes that the source of foreign ICT-related finance (i.e., China, World Bank, both, internal) determines whether the recipient state can exercise a weak, medium, or strong degree of agency in its ICT infrastructure provider choice. The paper further argues that the link between foreign finance and degree of agency is shaped by the digital development agenda of the donor. For instance, the model predicts that countries which predominantly received Chinese ICT finance possess weak agency when choosing an ICT infrastructure provider because China's digital development agenda ties the provision of finance to hiring a Chinese contractor. By examining the ICT-related financial inflows and geographical distribution of network equipment providers in African states, the paper shows that the source of finance affects the degree of agency and, subsequently, the choice of ICT infrastructure provider. However, the analysis also suggests a divide in African agency along former colonial lines. In fact, the model holds only for countries without colonial ties to France whereas former French colonies all contracted Huawei, regardless of ICT finance flows.

AI and politics: ensuring or threatening democracy?

Artificial Intelligence constitutes one of the most fundamental pillars for the implantation of the EU Digital Agenda. Its impact both in private and public life is omnipresent. AI has become an inherent part of the political life since politicians use it for several reasons, such as to promote their strategy as well as to achieve better and closer communication with people. All this is based on the existing set of legal rules. However, there are significant issues, both ethical and legal, which pose a wide range of concerns: from the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms to the safeguard of the principle of rule of law. The core question is the following: does AI strengthen democracy or lead to its deterioration? This paper aims at demonstrating the implementation of AI in politics. Firstly, there will be pursued, via a juridical methodology, a description of the regulatory framework governing AI, in connection with justice and democracy. Following a critical approach, there will be an analysis of principal ethical and legal concerns regarding the necessity and/or efficiency of use of AI in political life. Finally, the ultimate goal of the paper is to stimulate critical thinking and suggest fruitful proposals for the safeguard of the democracy and the establishment of a trustful and powerful digital environment.

The impact of digitalization on SMEs GDP contribution

This research investigates the impact of digitalization on contribution to Gross Domestic Product, in the context of the Hungarian National Infocommunication Strategy adopting the European Union’s Digital Agenda. 1045 small and medium enterprises were included in the research, using data from years of 2010 and 2018. The level of digitalization was measured by the Digital Economy and Society Index, using both information technology infrastructure-related information, as well as the use of enterprise software applications, particularly Enterprise Resource Planning or Customer Relationship Management systems. The contribution to Gross Domestic Product was measured by headcount, pay costs and turnover as proxies using the financial data submissions of the companies. The results of the partial least squares structural equation modelling suggest that while the firm’s current financial position is being the most important factor for its future contribution to Gross Domestic Product, digitalization, especially the adoption of enterprise software systems is also a significant factor to the firm’s contribution. Therefore, it is worth pursuing digitalisation for driving economic development. The proposed method could be applied to other Member States, creating the opportunity to understand similarities and differences of their economies.

Insights from bibliometric analysis: exploring digital payments future research agendas

Insights from bibliometric analysis: exploring digital payments future research agendas

Industrial Digital Transformation and A Proposal to Rebuild Digital Trade Agenda

With the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a digitally connected global era has begun. Leading global companies are harnessing innovative technologies such as internet of things, big data, artificial intelligence, robotics and digital twin to revolutionize manufacturing process. This transformation is resulting in the creation of new business models and value-added products. It is time to shift the paradigm of trade by reforming the old mindset dominated by tangible goods. While current trade agreements contain some rules on digital trade, the scope of discussions lag behind the business reality of industrial digital transformation. This article purports to rebuild the objectives and priorities of global digital trade negotiations, by reflecting recent hyper-connectivity and hyper-intelligence. It proposes eight items for digital trade negotiations: digital transformation (DX) in trade, digital manufacturing services, internet access and traffic cost sharing, data trust for interoperability, artificial intelligence (AI) governance, cybersecurity and trade, big-tech platform regulations, and digital business taxation. digital transformation, digital trade, digital service, data flow, artificial intelligence, cyber security, big-tech platform

The Role of Leadership in Agile Transformation: A Case Study

Aim: This paper investigates how leadership is essential for creating success within the organization by going through a case study of the implementation of Agile transformation. Its inquest the crucial leadership methods, complexities, and approaches that make the Agile adoption and implementation at GlobalTech Inc., an international technology organization, successful. Method: Qualitative approach has been selected for the study and 25 in-depth interviews with the staff and observational data from GlobalTech’s Agile transformation over the last two years have been utilized. Participants included senior leaders, middle managers, project managers, as well as individuals from the different units of the company. This made it possible to analyse the development of management patterns and their influence on the transformation of the system. Results: The results showed how, in the agile environment at GlobalTech, the importance of visionary leadership, effective communication, and cultivating Agile mentality. The CEO and C - level management lead by example when they communicate the desired outcomes that are linked to the digital agenda. They introduced the collaboration through developing teams across functions and providing them with authority to make decisions. Though leaders experienced obstacles like unwavering resistance from traditionalists, coping with divergent views of stakeholders, and ensuring Agile practices remain even after certain phases, they did not give up. Effective Agile leaders found ways to break down resistance barriers through training, coaching, and by being good examples. They were able to cope with various organizational challenges by means of praise for small successes and integrating sceptics into the entire process while also communicating the benefits of Agile constantly. Under the leadership of managers, agile performance management systems, continuing improvement mechanism, and knowledge sharing forums were put in place to guarantee sustainability. Conclusion: In a way, GlobalTech case underlines the principle that leadership is a key component in Agile transformations. Ultimately, the success of the Agile adoption and its sustainability depends on leadership. They create an environment that is supportive of Agile values, has the capacity to fasten everybody’s learning curve, and connects all the units in the company around Agile principles through their persistence, ability to empower others, and change management skills.

ԷԼԵԿՏՐՈՆԱՅԻՆ ԿԱՌԱՎԱՐՄԱՆ ՀԱՍՈՒՆՈՒԹՅԱՆ ՄՈԴԵԼԸ ԹՎԱՅԻՆ ՓՈԽԱԿԵՐՊՄԱՆ ՕՐԱԿԱՐԳԻ ՀԱՄԱՏԵՔՍՏՈՒՄ / THE E-GOVERNANCE MATURITY MODEL IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AGENDA

This paper aims to develop a theoretical model of e-governance maturity as a core operational framework for digital transformation, in order to evaluate the policy processes occurring in Armenia during the transition to e-governance. Accordingly, the study outlines the key distinctions and interconnections between e-governance and the digitalization of governance in a step-by-step manner, analyzes various e-governance maturity models, interprets the levels of e-governance maturity assessment, and concludes with an operational analysis of the proposed maturity model. The proposed model is structured around seven key components: leadership, finance, infrastructure and technology, service delivery, big data management and security, human resources assessment, and digital agenda information systems. . The development of this theoretical model employed scientific literature reviews, document analysis, and comparative evaluations. As a result of the work done, it can be concluded that this model claims to assist in assessing the current state of government digitalization in Armenia, establishing a vision for e-governance development with key priorities, and formulating the necessary indicators for monitoring and evaluating strategic planning efforts. This model is designed for application in both specialized expert analyses and broader, multi-stakeholder evaluations, utilizing diverse data collection and analysis methods. Importantly, the model emphasizes a qualitative approach, providing a comprehensive description of egovernance and digitalization processes rather than a purely quantitative assessment

Институциональный дизайн Порядка 220 в отношении цифровых и классических рынков

The proposed article reflects a methodological description and specific proposals for the content of certain provisions of the Procedure for analyzing the state of competition in the commodity market, approved in accordance with Order No. 220 of the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia dated April 28, 2010 in connection with a set of changes related primarily to digital markets. The article presents a brief historical content of changes and transformations of methods for analyzing commodity markets for the purposes of antitrust enforcement, which shows the need for important additions and modernization of the Order 220, both in relation to digital markets and updating concepts and categories of the general outline of commodity market analysis. Special attention is paid to the fact that the instrumental disclosure of the concepts of “decisive influence” and “network effect” are the most important narrative of the regulatory axis in the digital agenda. The article proposes a matrix of variability of research tools for analyzing the relevant market (classical and digital), since significant transformations of the classical market paradigm in the context of expanding digitalization of public and economic life imply a change in research tools for assessing the state of the competitive environment. Given that different types of online platforms compete on the basis of different quality parameters, a description of the SSNDQ test is presented, which may become the main argument for the possibility of switching platform users and its inclusion in the Order of 220 is possible. For the first time in scientific research content, the author’s vision of instrumental assessments of network effects and signs of dominance of digital platforms is systematically reflected, indicators for analyzing the consequences and strength of the network effect are systematized. Four complex groups of indicators are proposed to assess the consequences and strength of the network effect, and their meaningful content is reflected.

Can enterprise digital transformation reduce the reliance on bank credit? Evidence from China

Academics are inconclusive on whether enterprises' digital transformation can reduce their reliance on bank credit. We examine this question using a Chinese sample of 2325 A-share-listed companies from 2007 to 2021, finding a significant negative correlation between a firm's digital transformation and reliance on bank credit; the results remain robust after a series of endogeneity tests. Digital transformation alleviates bank credit dependence mainly by easing firms' financing constraints and reducing information asymmetry. Specifically, the alleviation effect of enterprise digital transformation is stronger among enterprises with private ownership and smaller asset sizes. In addition to the nature of firms, increased competition in the banking sector and a favorable business environment contribute to curtailing bank credit dependence. This paper's findings point to companies' digital transformation agenda, confirming that financial development supports economic growth.

Philosophical Foundations of the Transformation of the Judicial Method of Rights Protection in the Context of the Creation of a Unified Information Space of the EEU

The article is devoted to the study of the dispute resolution procedure by the EAEU Court in the context of creating a single information space of the member countries of this integration association. Within the framework of the theoretical and practical orientation of this study, special attention is paid to conceptual problems related to the description of key social and digital phenomena that arise in the process of implementing the digital agenda and its impact on the judicial method of protecting the rights and legitimate interests of citizens and business entities. The transition to digital or electronic justice will increase the efficiency of the EAEU Court and create the most attractive conditions for the parties to the dispute to protect their rights and legitimate interests. Digitalization provides for large-scale changes in the field of justice, the emergence of new means of proof, the introduction of an electronic form of cases, remote court sessions all this leads to a change in the fundamental principles of legal proceedings. The solution to this problem should begin with the creation of a comprehensive program of legislative changes to the judicial method of protecting rights related to their digital transformation within the EAEU.

A situated governmentality approach to energy transitions: technologies of power in German and Indian smart grid strategies

Abstract. Around the world, smart grids are emerging as a universal tool to address a wide range of social and technical problems facing energy systems. Despite considerable research on these systems, the ways they differ in the local (re)production of power relations have so far been little discussed. This paper fills this gap by developing a “situated governmentality approach” in conversation with the critique of Foucauldian governmentality studies. By applying this approach to smart grid strategies in Germany (Smart Energy Showcases – Digital Agenda for the Energiewende, SINTEG) and India (National Smart Grid Mission, NSGM), we identify different ways in which power is mediated through situated governmentalities. While SINTEG employs technologies of power that promote a disciplinary regime, the exercise of power in the case of the NSGM displays many elements of a digitally enhanced sovereign approach. The findings reveal the range of governmental programmes that can be realized through smart grids and open up a perspective on the situated functioning of smart grids in energy transitions.

EU Diversity in Terms of Digitalization on the Labor Market in the Post-COVID-19 Context

Digital technologies are being integrated into everyday life worldwide, constantly transforming our society and labor markets. The EU requires digitally smart people in the labor market and has promoted this through the Digital Agenda. In this context, our paper aims to investigate the diversity of the EU member states in terms of the digitalization of the labor market in the post-pandemic context. Using a multidimensional perspective, we considered indicators reflecting not only labor market specificities but also the degree of digitalization and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. First, the strength of the association between digitalization and the labor market indicators was quantified through a Pearson test, while the cluster analysis highlighted some patterns for the high-tech EU economies compared to the medium- and low-tech EU economies. Among the high-tech economies cluster, Finland stands out as the frontrunner in the EU’s digital transformation, with the most digitally skilled workers. At the opposite pole are the South-Eastern countries, which have the most to do to recover and still lack an effective digital policy framework to support youth workers’ access to digital training. The practical implications of our study consist mostly of providing decision-makers with directions on issues to tackle when implementing EU digital policies.

E-commerce regulation in Albania

The Internet and digital technology are transforming our lives, every day with the paces in a dimension of a real revolution. These fast and deep transformations are now being considered worldwide, as the second most important revolution behind the industrial one. Regardless of these technological developments, the digital transformation of companies has had a slow but steady progress over the years. Business expectations and perception towards the need for digital transformation of services and the use of ecommerce are valued at high levels, receiving the main impetus during the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, where online markets had an important role enabling the continuation of economic life despite social distancing restrictions. Referring the above, Albania has adhered to the European Union Directives related to electronic commerce, Directive 2000/31/EC on Electronic Commerce3 and Directive 1999/93/EC4 ,as well as other related directives, making possible the approximation of a high level of our legislation, in the light of these directives. In the present paper, through a legal assessment, special attention has been paid to the National Digital Agenda for the period 2022-2026 and legal rules on e-commerce in the Albanian legislation, aiming to analyze the legal provisions, which regulate it in this regard. Also, an important objective of this paper is also the fact that it may serve as an important basis for further studies in this field. The analysis of the e-commerce legal regulation in Albania is based on the qualitative method, which contains also the research, analytical, descriptive, interpretive methods. The results of this paper, which treats an innovative topic, will stimulates debate in the academic level and contribute to the legal doctrine in Albania that lacks such.

Digital public health in Romania

Abstract The Romanian digital public health story is far from the end or its highest point. As in all cases, the digital public health advancements were led by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to move everything into a digital format. This came, of course, with its hiccups and trials and errors, but in the end, it all led to considerable advancements in the public health system. One of the most significant achievements in recent years is the settlement of telemedicine services for family doctors. Initially, this was approved for the duration of the lockdown as a measure to limit the spread of the virus. Still, this measure was extended after pressure from professional associations and civil society. Another national digital public health agenda point is using electronic health records. The project was launched several years ago with the National Health Insurance House insurance card. It was now continued, with the work underway for its development. This would be a significant achievement as it would alleviate the public health system quite a lot, and it would allow health surveillance for chronic conditions with longitudinal data. Additionally, it could potentially reduce health spending as it would reduce unnecessary or doubled investigations and tests. Romania presented numerous initiatives on digital public health, but unfortunately, many were limited or renounced. A characteristic of the Romanian digital public health ecosystem is the presence of grass-root initiatives led by innovators and system disruptors, small private entities with a strong desire to solve systemic issues. This presentation will highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic enabled Romania to move forward with its digitalization and will advocate for continuous and sustainable future development of the national digital public health system.