Investments In Digital Infrastructure Research Articles

Комплексная оценка цифрового неравенства в регионах России

The article is devoted to the assessment of digital inequality in the regions of Russia. The authors have developed a comprehensive index based on the concept of three levels of digital inequality. A method of conducting a level-by-level assessment with subsequent integration of the results into a single complex index is proposed. Three groups of statistical indicators were used for the assessment. The first characterizes the features of the population’s access to digital technologies, the second—the skills of using the Internet, and the third—the effectiveness of its use in real life. Based on the calculations performed, maps of digital inequality levels were constructed for the territory of Russia. The results of the study made it possible to compare the level of digital inequality across the subjects of the Russian Federation, identify the regions with the highest and lowest levels of digital inequality, and draw conclusions about the causes affecting the level of computer literacy of the population of the regions. The study revealed that there are infrastructure problems with access in remote regions, economic constraints among low-income groups, and a lack of skills among rural populations and older age groups. Some regions, such as the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, show high levels of computer skills among the population despite a low level of infrastructure development. In other regions, such as the North Caucasus, there is a poor level of infrastructure development, low levels of computer literacy, and the lowest efficiency in using technology to improve quality of life. The strategy for digitalization of the economy in such regions should consider not only investments in digital infrastructure but also programs to improve the computer skills of the population.

POST-PANDEMIC ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN THE U.S.: A REVIEW: DELVING INTO THE EFFICACY OF RECOVERY STRATEGIES AND POLICIES

This study presents a comprehensive review of the post-pandemic economic recovery in the United States, focusing on the efficacy of various recovery strategies and policy interventions. The research employs a systematic literature review methodology, drawing on recent academic literature, government reports, and publications from financial institutions. The inclusion criteria target studies published from 2020 onwards, with a specific focus on the U.S. economy and its recovery measures. The review identifies key themes, including the impact of government interventions, private sector adaptations, digital transformation, and the shift towards sustainability. Key findings indicate that the U.S. economic recovery has been multifaceted, with significant roles played by both government policies and private sector resilience. Fiscal stimulus packages and monetary policy adjustments have been crucial in stabilizing the economy, while businesses have innovated and digitized operations to adapt to new economic realities. The pandemic has also accelerated trends towards a digital and green economy, presenting both challenges and opportunities for future growth. The study highlights the need for continued support through fiscal and monetary policies, investment in digital infrastructure, and a focus on sustainable development to ensure robust and inclusive economic growth. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing inequalities and fostering public-private partnerships. The review concludes with recommendations for policymakers and economic leaders, emphasizing the need for flexible and adaptive policy responses. Future research directions include exploring the long-term impacts of the pandemic, the effectiveness of specific recovery policies, and the interplay between economic recovery and social issues. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of economic recovery post-pandemic and offers guidance for managing future economic challenges.

POST-PANDEMIC ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN THE U.S.: A REVIEW: DELVING INTO THE EFFICACY OF RECOVERY STRATEGIES AND POLICIES

This study presents a comprehensive review of the post-pandemic economic recovery in the United States, focusing on the efficacy of various recovery strategies and policy interventions. The research employs a systematic literature review methodology, drawing on recent academic literature, government reports, and publications from financial institutions. The inclusion criteria target studies published from 2020 onwards, with a specific focus on the U.S. economy and its recovery measures. The review identifies key themes, including the impact of government interventions, private sector adaptations, digital transformation, and the shift towards sustainability. Key findings indicate that the U.S. economic recovery has been multifaceted, with significant roles played by both government policies and private sector resilience. Fiscal stimulus packages and monetary policy adjustments have been crucial in stabilizing the economy, while businesses have innovated and digitized operations to adapt to new economic realities. The pandemic has also accelerated trends towards a digital and green economy, presenting both challenges and opportunities for future growth. The study highlights the need for continued support through fiscal and monetary policies, investment in digital infrastructure, and a focus on sustainable development to ensure robust and inclusive economic growth. It also emphasizes the importance of addressing inequalities and fostering public-private partnerships. The review concludes with recommendations for policymakers and economic leaders, emphasizing the need for flexible and adaptive policy responses. Future research directions include exploring the long-term impacts of the pandemic, the effectiveness of specific recovery policies, and the interplay between economic recovery and social issues. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamics of economic recovery post-pandemic and offers guidance for managing future economic challenges.

E-Government Development in European Countries: Socio-Economic and Environmental Aspects

The purpose of the paper is to analyse the relationship between digitalisation of public services (e-government) and ESG factors (environmental, social and economic factors). As public administration is a major stakeholder influencing sustainable development and state governments are aiming to digitise their services, there is a need to better understand the effect of the digital revolution on ESG. This article aims to study the relationship between the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) and ESG factors in 26 European countries. The linear ordering method TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) was used for the study, followed by the Perkal index and the method of optimal predictors’ selection—the Hellwig method. The study is based on the Eurostat data (in the period 2003–2020), and the analysis includes ten variables: Share of environmental taxes in GDP; Exposure to dust air pollution; Greenhouse gas emissions by source sector—carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc. (energy, industry, agriculture, forestry, waste management) (thousands of tonnes); Passenger transport volume in relation to GDP; At risk of poverty or social exclusion; Percentage of people satisfied with their financial situation among people aged 16+; Share of the ICT sector in GDP; Unemployment rate of people aged 20–64; Research and development expenditure in all sectors; GDP per capita. The in-depth analysis offers a matrix that represents the relationships between environmental taxes and the development of e-government. The main finding reveals statistically significant relationships between the EGDI and aggregate variables representing the environmental, social and economic spheres. It indicates a genuine, positive impact of digitalised administrative processes on sustainable development. It also seems to confirm that investments in digital infrastructure and government e-services bring multiple long-term benefits and contribute directly to all three domains relevant to the sustainability of modern development. The results of the analysis can be found useful by governments and governmental institutions as informing digitalisation strategies aimed at balancing the development of e-services and their support infrastructure. Nowadays, when planning strategic actions, one should take into account the social, economic and environmental impact of the digitalisation processes.

A mixed-methods study of quality differences between applied documentation approaches in nursing homes

BackgroundSeveral approaches to nursing documentation exist. Some address standardised terminology and daily monitoring, whereas the structural model approach focuses on open-ended text information and special incidents. This study aims to identify quality differences between available documentation approaches from the perspectives of nursing professionals in Germany.MethodsBetween October 2018 and May 2019, a convenience sample of German nursing home practitioners was surveyed concerning the quality of their documentation techniques. The quality measurement was developed from the findings of a literature review on indicators that define successful nursing documentation. Selected indicators were structured according to Donabedian’s quality dimensions of structure, process, and outcome. A mean score was calculated for each quality dimension. Non-parametric tests were employed to discover whether organisational and person-related conditions affect score values. The framework method was used to analyse textual data.ResultsResponses from 250 nursing care practitioners show significant differences between users of different documentation approaches in the outcome dimension. Nurses who worked with the structural model were slightly more satisfied with their documentation approach than users of other approaches. In addition, differences between subgroups were identified depending on the mode of the tools employed for nursing documentation, participation in training, and length of time spent using the present documentation tool. Qualitative data reveal that digitalisation, unequal task distribution, and appreciation and motivation are critical topics in nursing homes.ConclusionsThe results indicate that regular opportunities to reflect on challenges in documentation activities might increase nurses’ perceptions of documentation as a valuable part of nursing care. Training might serve this purpose for users of non-structural model approaches. Regardless of the specific recording techniques employed, more investment in digital infrastructure is required.

Remote Management: A Temporary Need or A Future Necessity?

No doubt that remote management nowadays is a necessity, during COVID-19, organizations practiced it, because it was impossible to manage without it. Moreover many organizations still use it after the pandemic believing that this kind of management can achieve their objectives and that it is a future demand, but it is necessary to make investments in digital infrastructure and the release of office space. So this article aimed to investigate the literature review of remote management to find out if it is necessary or not. Findings of the study revealed many positive and negative advantages for remote management of the business, otherwise, opportunities for increased productivity are raised. In conclusion, remote management imposed itself on organizations in order to do business.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on accredited conformity assessment bodies: insights from a multinational study

The COVID-19 pandemic posed new and manifold challenges to organizations and their operations worldwide. Conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as testing or medical laboratories, certification, and inspection bodies, were also affected by the associated disruptions. Their role in this crisis is highly relevant, as CABs are essential pillars of the quality infrastructure: their activities ensure that products and services meet requirements as defined in standards and regulations, thereby contributing to their safety and reliability. The question arises of how CABs and their operations were affected by the pandemic and how they responded. To this end, we present the results of an international survey of 986 CABs of all types in Germany, the UK, Italy, and New Zealand. Overall, CABs reported, on average, a reduction in demand for their services during the pandemic, facing restrictions in all countries. In addition, the pandemic had an overall negative impact on the CABs’ investment and innovation activities. However, investments in digital infrastructure were increased as a countermeasure, with CABs reporting a higher need for digitalization. The paper highlights and discusses results from in-depth analyses relevant to policymakers and industry alike.

Investment in digital infrastructure: Why and for whom?

This study investigates the variation in attitudes across stakeholders towards investments in the digital economy. Using semi-structured interviews to identify attitudes about the spatially evolving socioeconomic importance of the digital economy in New Zealand, we identified seven distinct yet partially overlapping concerns that prioritise preferences for digital investment. A key finding is that there are important asymmetries in stakeholders' narratives and epistemological foundations that currently align to collectively strengthen resolve to invest in digital infrastructure and training, but this alignment may splinter in future. Some stakeholders saw internet access as coalescing social economy, and there were concerns that some people and some places would get left behind if access is not rolled out uniformly and as a priority. There were disagreements about who will prosper, who will get left behind, who should pay for upgrading digital skills, the extent that investments were connected with wellbeing and identity, whether fake news was significant, and the longevity of the impact of digital economy investments. This study contributes to theory by demonstrating that practically-relevant, socially-informed policy decisions can be underpinned by collective efforts that draw on heterogeneous narratives and multidimensional understandings.

Using video consultation technology between care homes and health and social care professionals: a scoping review and interview study during COVID-19 pandemic

Backgroundthe COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected care home residents’ and staffs’ access to health care and advice. Health and social care professionals adapted rapidly to using video consultation (videoconferencing) technology without guidance. We sought to identify enablers and barriers to their use in supporting care home residents and staff.Methodsa scoping review of the evidence on remote consultations between healthcare services and care homes. Interviews with English health and social care professionals about their experiences during the pandemic. Findings were synthesised using the non-adoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, sustainability framework.Results18 papers were included in the review. Twelve interviews were completed. Documented enablers and barriers affecting the uptake and use of technology (e.g. reliable internet; reduced travelling) resonated with participants. Interviews demonstrated rapid, widespread technology adoption overcame barriers anticipated from the literature, often strengthening working relationships with care homes. Novel implementation issues included using multiple platforms and how resident data were managed. Healthcare professionals had access to more bespoke digital platforms than their social care counterparts. Participants alternated between platforms depending on individual context or what their organisation supported. All participants supported ongoing use of technologies to supplement in-person consultations.Conclusionsthe evidence on what needs to be in place for video consultations to work with care homes was partly confirmed. The pandemic context demolished many documented barriers to engagement and provided reassurance that residents’ assessments were possible. It exposed the need to study further differing resident requirements and investment in digital infrastructure for adequate information management between organisations.

The impact of information and communication technology on services exports: Evidence from developed and developing economies

Objective: The objective of the article is to examine direct and indirect channels through which information and communication technology affects exports of services. Research Design & Methods: In this study a linear fixed effects panel regression model with country-specific fixed effects and with Driscoll and Kraay standard errors is fit to the data over the period 2000-2019. The samples cover the data sets for 80 countries, and separately for 44 high-income and 36 low and middle-income economies. Findings: The findings show that the access to traditional and broadband digital connectivity has a positive impact on services exports, revealing a slightly stronger influence of the latter for the advanced economies. Additionally, exports and imports of the ICT goods appear to be complementary to services exports. Implications & Recommendations: The detected dependencies indicate that in a digital era, connectivity infrastructure, as well as international flows of the ICT goods bring about significant effects for services exports. Both findings raise important implications for export-led growth policy that should account for new interdependencies between goods and services, and for further investments in digital infrastructure. Contribution & Value Added: This study contributes to the relevant literature by extending the traditional factor-endowment approach used to explain the impact of information and communication technology on the exports of services. Besides specifying the exports of services as a function of internet market penetration, both a traditional and a broadband one, we consider the exports and the imports of ICT goods as the potential determinants of services exports.

Challenges Facing ICT Use during COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises in South Africa

COVID-19 and its related restrictions have led to the closure of over 60% of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) largely due to the inability to move from physical to online business model. Using the desk research technique, this study examines the ICT challenges of SMMEs, coping strategies and the road map for redress in South Africa. Findings reveal challenges such as inadequate digital infrastructure, lack of funds for digital investment, lack of digital literacy, and nature of SMMEs’ business and trade model are major ICT use challenges faced by the SMMEs. SMMEs adopt measures such as laying off workers, changing to high consumable products, and changing marketing techniques to simple online marketing models and pricing strategies to cope with some of the challenges. Based on the findings, we recommend complementarity of the role of key stakeholders, including business owners, governments, telecommunication industry players or internet service providers, and business owners, as an indispensable approach. Businesses need to plan to build resilience against any unforeseeable eventualities that might have catastrophic impacts on their businesses. The government needs to provide financial bailout and business recovery funds at an affordable cost to businesses to help them acquire the necessary infrastructure needed to embrace the change. Furthermore, long-term investment in digital infrastructure by the government toward universal access to the internet by businesses is very necessary. It is also suggested that important industrial actors, such as those in the telecommunications industry, collaborate with the government to achieve universal access to the internet and other ICT technologies by people and SMMEs. This should include a digital literacy program to teach and equip businesses. Special interventions in the form of market security for businesses that are vulnerable are also recommended.

A SYSTEM DYNAMICS APPROACH TO POSTAL DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION DYNAMICS: A CAUSAL LOOP DIAGRAM (CLD) PERSPECTIVE

Postal operators across the globe are faced with inescapable business model disruptions in the era of the digital economy, and Southern Africa is no exception. The advent of the digital age presents both opportunities and threats to business models of the industrial age, as digitalisation has led to the sustained decline of mail volumes as the core business of the postal service for the past 100 years. The replacement of traditional physical mail with electronic alternatives was a spectre that haunted the postal service for more than two decades; and the arrival of the digital age has accelerated the decline of mail volumes at an unprecedented speed as it spreads through almost every sector of society and as the digital economy becomes the preferred platform for conducting business. The digital economy requires postal operators to develop digital competitiveness, which entails investment in digital infrastructure and skills, and to transform their business model in the context of the digital age. The complex dynamics of the process of digital transformation necessitate a systems approach to understanding those dynamics. System dynamics can be a significant tool for comprehending behaviour, especially dynamic behaviour. This paper adopted a high-level modelling approach in which a dynamic hypothesis was developed through the articulation of a sub-system diagram that articulated the dynamic variables at play, a model boundary chart that articulated the nature of the variables (which are both exogenous and endogenous), and causal loop diagrams that explain the dynamic feedback relationship between the variables. This paper focused on the digital transformation imperatives to build the digital competitiveness of the postal sector in Southern Africa. The results point to the complex interaction of the variables that drive the digital competitiveness of the postal sector; and it is by comprehending these complexities that decision-makers and policymakers could steer the postal sector on to a digital-age path and into a sustainable future. Keywords : Digital transformation, dynamic hypothesis, model boundary chart, subsystem diagram, causal loop diagrams

Digitalisation and the foundational economy: A digital opportunity or a digital divide for less-developed regions?

The foundational economy’s heightened traction in academic and policy discussion stems in part from its potential to mitigate challenges faced by less-developed regions. While supporting foundational sectors may contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth, we question whether digitalisation can enable these aims. Through a case study of Wales, we point to the differences in digital capability of foundational and non-foundational businesses in urban and rural parts of the region. We show that while investment in digital infrastructure and digital technology use may support the foundational economy, digital barriers risk countering the benefits of its sectors’ embeddedness and exacerbating spatial divides.

Digital Pitfalls: The Politics of Digitalization in Bangladesh

The state-led investment in digital infrastructure under the ruling party’s political agenda of “Digital Bangladesh” has given rise to scholarly and policy debates, especially around issues of digital surveillance and media censorship. Such concerns have intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article analyzes contemporary Bangladesh in the context of emerging trends related to the digitalization of society. In particular, I employ the concept of “digital pitfalls” to explore the state’s use of surveillance and the politics of fear to limit freedom of expression and silence critical voices in the digital age.

Потенциал барьеров входа в контексте цифровизации

The article analyzes the practical aspects of the functioning of some barriers to entry in the era of digital transformation of industry markets. It is noted that under the influence of digitalization processes, both positive changes in the mechanism of market operation are recorded, as well as a number of negative circumstances that have become a serious challenge for antitrust agencies. Control of big data, initial investment in digital infrastructure, and broad technological capabilities of digital blocking of users, against the background of powerful network effects and pronounced economies of scale, carry the potential for significant growth in the market power of individual firms. The article substantiates that such trends theoretically pose a significant threat to competition, and can form new types of entry barriers. At the same time, practical arguments are presented that indicate the ambiguity of this position.

ЦИФРОВА ГЛОБАЛІЗАЦІЯ В ЕПОХУ ЧЕТВЕРТОЇ ПРОМИСЛОВОЇ РЕВОЛЮЦІЇ: ПОТЕНЦІАЛ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЇ

The article considers the potential for transformation of the world economy under the influence of digital globalization in the era of the fourth industrial revolution. It is substantiated that within the framework of digital globalization the paradigm of organization of production, configuration and content of international trade are changing. At the same time, the process of digitalization leads to qualitative changes in all spheres of production, economic and trade activities around the world. Formation of production technological processes using the Internet of Things, modules of artificial intelligence and 3D-printing allows to reduce production costs and increase the competitiveness of products. Attention is focused on the essence of the changes taking place, the directions of the vectors of economic development in the context of the changing digital space. Particular attention is paid to the functioning of new business models (in particular, digital platforms), the transformation of the structure, configuration, forms and methods of international trade, as well as the impact of ongoing processes on international competitiveness. An important place is given to the problems of e-commerce, the content of the processes taking place in this segment of international economic relations. Some approaches to solving the problems of digitalization at the international and national levels are proposed. In the global dimension, it is important to ensure, through the adoption of binding legal documents for WTO member states on the freedom of information exchange, aimed at stimulating innovative development, promoting the removal of barriers in the e-commerce segment, encouraging investment in digital infrastructure and human capital. . The development of the country's digital potential and digital infrastructure involves the implementation of localization measures, ie requires the creation of national platforms for the accumulation and storage of information. It is concluded that the global process of digitalization creates the potential for dynamic development of new business models, stimulates productivity and increases competitiveness.

СОЦІАЛЬНА ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНІСТЬ БІЗНЕСУ В УМОВАХ ЦИФРОВОЇ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЇ ЕКОНОМІЧНИХ СИСТЕМ

The paper investigates the theoretical and practical aspects of providing the corporate social responsibility in a digital economy. The digital transformation of economic activity necessitates a business response to fundamental new challenges and threats related to cybersecurity, privacy, copyright protection, blockchain, misinformation, ethical algorithms for artificial intelligence etc. The quantity and complexity of digitalization problems determines the need for a consistent and comprehensive approach to ensuring digital responsibility in economy. Corporate digital responsibility can be defined as a responsible and ethical using of digital technologies; forecasting the social, economic and environmental consequences of decisions made in the digital economy. The analysis of social reports and web resources of Ukrainian companies indicates that their potential of digital responsibility is limited to the digital skills transfer and partial using in communications with stakeholders. At the same time, there are promising ways of manifesting social responsibility of domestic enterprises: investments in digital infrastructure and education; using digital technologies to monitor the responsibility and business ethics of suppliers and contractors; digitalization of environmental management processes; protection of digital rights and personal data of customers, employees, partners; dialogue with real and potential stakeholders through digital channels. Foreign experience shows that it is efficient to form public-private partnership platforms in the field of digital responsibility and sustainable development. It is also appropriate for the government to develop and implement a strategy for the digital transformation, programs of economic and advisory support for digital social entrepreneurship; to form standards for assessing and reporting about corporate digital responsibility; to eliminate the institutional and legislative barriers to the digital economy development; to overcome the digital divide in society; to create algorithms for personal data processing and suitable digital platforms.

TRADE POLICY RESPONSES TO THE CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES OF THE GLOBAL MARKET

The present paper discusses several new trends in the global trade such as digitalization of trade, regional trade agreements and the emergence of new global players. Based on theoretical research and the study of the available secondary statistical data it analyzes how trade policy can address these changes under the existing world trading system. Trade rules underlying the traditional trading system are still applicable under increasing digital trade and enhanced bilateral and regional trade integration. However, WTO Agreement has nothing to do with those barriers of trade that go beyond traditional trade measures and are very acute for the developing countries. They involve access to the Internet and other telecommunication infrastructure, weak formal institutions and legal protection, lack of awareness about the potential benefits and opportunities in digital trade and lack of IT literacy. In order to overcome these barriers developing countries should incorporate trade policy as a component of deep economic reforms. The pace of development of the multilateral trading rules is slower than required by increasingly flexible business models. Therefore, countries try to find solutions at the bilateral and plurilateral levels. For instance, the EU develops regulations under Digital Single Market as well as within its bilateral trade agreements with non-member states. Georgia is implementing digital economy regulations in accordance to its DCFTA with the EU. Access to information and communication technologies is essential to be engaged in digital trade. For developing countries investments in digital infrastructure is an important policy issue, while developed countries are more focused on balanced trade rules, which ensure the development of digital trade, on the one hand and security and data protection, on the other. Contemporary trade policy goes beyond regulation based on classical trade instruments. It encompasses regulation within regional trade and investment agreements, technical standards and other behind-the-border measures, regulation of services and intellectual property markets and support for sustainable development goals, etc. A large part of the contemporary regional trade agreements covers all these areas. Development of bilateral and regional cooperation by encouraging deep integration can be discussed as an effort to overcome inflexibilities of the multilateral system. Regional integration enables countries to develop selective approach towards their trade partners and maintain certain degree of autonomy by applying different trade rules towards different partners. Elimination of behind the border barriers and enhanced regulatory harmonization leads to reduced trade costs but it also leads to race to the bottom in regulatory facilitation, what might be detrimental to the national policy goals. The effects of deep economic integration cannot be assessed based on the traditional approach of trade creation and trade diversion, because integration as an institutional process affects not only trade flows but also economic and institutional development levels of the countries. Deep regional integration reduces institutional differences within regions and increases them across regions. Besides it, the increasing role of BRICs countries in international trade leads to greater diversity of actors in the world market. New global players ask for greater voice in the process of reforming trade rules. Therefore, global trade rules should reflect the diversity that comes from changes in the patterns as well as the main players of the world market

Management mechanisms in the context of digitization of all spheres of society

Digitalization transforms public policy. It forms new models of public administration based on knowledge about the behavior of social groups. This study experimentally confirms the lack of impact of e-government and digitalization on the quality of life. It is proved that the new state policy is not aimed at ensuring socio-economic well-being, but the management of the collective consciousness of the masses. The economic benefits of digitization are insignificant. Digital policy provides a greater level of transparency in order to obtain its own benefits: the development of public-private partnerships, attracting investment in digital infrastructure, openness of digital governance. The article proves that the modernization of public policy under the influence of digitalization forms a new era of digital leadership,

TRADE POLICY RESPONSES TO THE CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES OF THE GLOBAL MARKET

The present paper discusses several new trends in the global trade such as digitalization of trade, regional trade agreements and the emergence of new global players. Based on theoretical research and the study of the available secondary statistical data it analyzes how trade policy can address these changes under the existing world trading system. Trade rules underlying the traditional trading system are still applicable under increasing digital trade and enhanced bilateral and regional trade integration. However, WTO Agreement has nothing to do with those barriers of trade that go beyond traditional trade measures and are very acute for the developing countries. They involve access to the Internet and other telecommunication infrastructure, weak formal institutions and legal protection, lack of awareness about the potential benefits and opportunities in digital trade and lack of IT literacy. In order to overcome these barriers developing countries should incorporate trade policy as a component of deep economic reforms. The pace of development of the multilateral trading rules is slower than required by increasingly flexible business models. Therefore, countries try to find solutions at the bilateral and plurilateral levels. For instance, the EU develops regulations under Digital Single Market as well as within its bilateral trade agreements with non-member states. Georgia is implementing digital economy regulations in accordance to its DCFTA with the EU. Access to information and communication technologies is essential to be engaged in digital trade. For developing countries investments in digital infrastructure is an important policy issue, while developed countries are more focused on balanced trade rules, which ensure the development of digital trade, on the one hand and security and data protection, on the other. Contemporary trade policy goes beyond regulation based on classical trade instruments. It encompasses regulation within regional trade and investment agreements, technical standards and other behind-the-border measures, regulation of services and intellectual property markets and support for sustainable development goals, etc. A large part of the contemporary regional trade agreements covers all these areas. The development of bilateral and regional cooperation by encouraging deep integration can be discussed as an effort to overcome inflexibilities of the multilateral system. Regional integration enables countries to develop selective approach towards their trade partners and maintain certain degree of autonomy by applying different trade rules towards different partners. Elimination of behind the border barriers and enhanced regulatory harmonization leads to reduced trade costs, but it also leads to race to the bottom in regulatory facilitation what might be detrimental to the national policy goals. The effects of deep economic integration cannot be assessed based on the traditional approach of trade creation and trade diversion, because integration as an institutional process affects not only trade flows but also economic and institutional development levels of the countries. Deep regional integration reduces institutional differences within regions and increases them across regions. Besides it, the increasing role of BRICs countries in international trade leads to greater diversity of actors in the world market. New global players ask for greater voice in the process of reforming trade rules. Therefore, global trade rules should reflect the diversity that comes from changes in the patterns as well as the main players of the world market.