Developed Economies Research Articles

Determining the challenges of transition to a hydrogen economy through developing a quantitative index

The global imperative to transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources is addressed, with hydrogen identified as a pivotal energy carrier. Departing from qualitative approaches, quantitative methodologies are employed to understand the challenges comprehensively. Qualitative insights are quantitatively assessed through a novel index, enabling a nuanced analysis of strengths and weaknesses. The resulting model is a precise tool for informed decision-making in energy transition efforts. Notably, Chile, New Zealand, and Morocco are identified as high-potential economies for hydrogen development, aligning with expert opinions. Conflict demonstrates an overall negative correlation with technological progress, while regulatory quality emerges as a strong positive correlation with the state of hydrogen in policy. This quantitative model offers a robust framework for future research and application, including incorporating additional data and subnational-level analysis. The study provides a quantitative foundation for advancing hydrogen development and sustainable energy transition.

Phytonutrient Screening and In vitro Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Polar and Nonpolar Extracts of Albizia gummifera, Prunus africana, and Combretum molle from Mount Elgon Region, Kenya

Background: Globally, and particularly in less-developed countries, one of the principal factors associated with morbidity and mortality is infectious diseases. Over the years, the abuse and misuse of pharmaceutical products have caused an increase in resistant microbes, and consequently, today, the rate of infectious disease cases continues to increase to dangerously high levels as most medications have lost their efficacy. This indicates that there’s a need for new effective medications and calls for active research in drug discovery to curb this dangerous trend.
 Results: Obtained data demonstrated the presence of different bioactive compounds in the tested plant extracts such as glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, and phenols. Using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, P. africana methanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed significantly bigger inhibition zones compared to the rest against S. aureus (excluding controls). None of the tested extracts, however, were able to inhibit C. albicans and E. coli. The P. africana methanolic extract and the A. gummifera hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanolic extracts all inhibited the growth of S. aureus at the same minimum concentration of 31.25 mg/ml. The methanolic extract of C. molle exhibited the least activity against S. aureus, with an MIC of 250 mg/ml and mean zones of inhibition of 9.33±0.33 mm.
 Conclusions: This study revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents in crude extracts of the selected medicinal plants, but also highlighted the resistance of E. coli and C. albicans to these phytochemicals. The P. africana methanolic extract showed strongest inhibitory effect against S. aureus compared to the other plant extracts. The highest susceptibility was demonstrated by S. aureus, while E. coli and C. albicans were resistant to all the extracts. These findings support the usage of A. gummifera, P. africana, and C. molle in folk medicine against infections caused by S. aureus and highlight them as potential sources of phytonutrients for the development of new drugs.

Factors Influencing Energy-Efficiency Retrofits in Commercial and Institutional Buildings: A Systematic Literature Review

ABSTRACT Renovating existing buildings to render them more energy efficient is critical. However, current energy-efficiency efforts in the building sector remain insufficient. Despite the growing literature related to energy efficiency in buildings, context-driven reasons for stakeholders to undertake energy-efficiency retrofits remain less understood. The researchers conducted a systematic literature review to synthesize and consolidate the results of studies worldwide from 2009 to 2020, examining factors and associated contexts that influence building stakeholders’ decisions to implement energy-efficiency retrofits. The review involved searching databases and topic-specific journals using multiple keywords and synonyms for energy-efficiency retrofits and decision-making. The initial search yielded 25,093 articles, and 134 were further assessed for inclusion and exclusion. Forty-two of those articles met the criteria for inclusion and were examined to evaluate the factors and context associated with the decisions related to energy-efficiency retrofits. Recent relevant research was analyzed, considering methodologies, regions, economic development, building types, participant characteristics, and study size. Based on the extensive review of the literature, this study identified 30 factors that can be categorized under seven decision criteria involved in determining retrofits: economic feasibility, team process, technical practicality, institutional characteristic, governmental policy, occupant impact, and environmental impact. The main factors that influenced energy retrofit decisions included life cycle cost, coordination and collaboration, system compatibility, internal value, government commitment, satisfaction and well-being, and eco-friendly installation. Variations regarding factors influencing stakeholders’ perceptions among different regions and building types were also examined. The study found that risk management, technology readiness, and standards and regulations were more significant in countries with developing economies. Conversely, system compatibility, reputation, and political influence were more important in developed economies. The findings from this study provide insights into future research that may guide the development of more context-appropriate strategies that drive stakeholders to implement energy-efficiency retrofits in their buildings.

Genome Analysis of Plasmodium falciparum: A Preliminary Observation - Sierra Leone, 2022-2023.

Sierra Leone, with a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita below $300 and significant poverty, ranks among the world's least developed countries (LDCs). Despite its modest population of 8.6 million, the nation reports approximately 2.6 million malaria cases annually. Previously, there has been no reporting on the malaria genome data from this country. In this study, we present the first reported whole-genome sequence analysis of 19 high parasite-density Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Sierra Leone, providing insights into the genomic epidemiology of this high-prevalence area. We found a high degree of relatedness among infections and substantial genetic diversity, consistent with the gradual reduction in overall case numbers. Moreover, our whole-genome analysis revealed that, beyond drug-resistance genes, gene families related to blood cell invasion, immune evasion, and others are undergoing directional selection. This suggests that the population in Sierra Leone has developed a relatively strong acquired immunity. The genomic data not only facilitate the creation of single nucleotide polymorphism barcodes for case tracking but also enable the analysis of evolving transmission dynamics and selection pressures. Additionally, the samples from Sierra Leone exhibited higher selective pressures on resistance genes compared to those from Asia, a trend not commonly observed in other African samples. This suggests that less stringent healthcare systems and inconsistent treatment strategies can subject parasites to increased drug pressure, thereby accelerating the development of resistant strains.

An Analysis of Liberia’s Vulnerability to Climate Change in the Context of Least Developed Countries (LDCs): A Review

An Analysis of Liberia’s Vulnerability to Climate Change in the Context of Least Developed Countries (LDCs): A Review

The Impact of Market Orientation on the Performance of Microfinance Institutions in Yemen, a Least-Developed Country: the Mediating Role of IT Capability

The Impact of Market Orientation on the Performance of Microfinance Institutions in Yemen, a Least-Developed Country: the Mediating Role of IT Capability

Intellectual property rights and fair vaccine distribution: A new perspective on the TRIPS Agreement

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted inequities concerning global vaccine distribution, as well as issues surrounding patents and intellectual property rights for these vaccines. This paper addresses the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) regarding vaccines. Adhered to by all state members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the agreement sets minimum regulatory standards for governments on intellectual property, including vaccines. Our contribution is a new analysis of TRIPS Art. 31 Bis concerning flexibilities in its terms of use on global vaccine distribution. We consider existing solutions for fairer vaccine distribution, such as governments enforcing a compulsory vaccine licence, and governmental/individual charitable efforts. We then focus on issues with know-how distribution and access to knowledge in the TRIPS context. We conclude that the enhanced provisions of TRIPS are ill-suited to global pandemics. To ensure fairer global vaccine distribution, we argue that patent pools and further TRIPS amendments are needed to endow less and least-developed countries with the ability to implement government-use compulsory licenses and to negotiate compensation terms later under judicial review. Further, to enable countries lacking the technical manufacturing capabilities to produce vaccines under license, TRIPS needs to be amended to permit technology and know-how transfer (Holder, 2023).

Randomized experimental population-based study to evaluate the acceptance and completion of and preferences for cervical cancer screening.

Cervical cancer has high incidence and mortality rates, especially in less-developed countries. Prevention methods are well established, but there are still barriers preventing some Brazilian women from undergoing a Pap sample. The objective of the study was to evaluate the acceptance, preferences and completion of four screening methods. This has an experimental design (community trial). A total of 164 participants who had never had a Pap sample or had not had one for more than three years were included. The city's urban area was stratified by census tracts and divided according to income and education levels. Women belonging to the lower-income strata were considered in the study. Random blocks were numbered into five intervention groups (Group 1- Pap sample at the hospital; Group 2- Pap sample in the mobile unit; Group 3- urine self-collection; Group 4- vaginal self-collection; Group 5- woman's choice). Only 164 women met all of the eligibility criteria (15.3%). Most of them accepted the assigned method (92%), but only 84% of the women completed the collection step. The acceptance rates were as follows: Group 1 (100%), Group 2 (64.5%), Group 3 (100%) and Group 4 (91.4%). In Group 5, the women's preferences were distributed as follows: examination performed at the hospital, 13 women (33.3%); examination performed at the mobile unit, 11 women (28.2%); urine self-collection, 11 women (28.2%); and vaginal self-collection, 4 women (10.3%). This study suggests that methods that allow cervical sampling collected near the women's domicile might improve the acceptance and completion of preventive tests. This finding is relevant for the development of new cervical cancer screening strategies.

Diagnosis on the implementation of the New Urban Agenda

Abstract Non-technical summary Rapid population growth in urban areas requires an effective transposition of sustainable development goals to the urban realm, for which the New Urban Agenda was adopted by most countries worldwide. The progress report of its implementation was discussed in this study to identify strengths and weaknesses in the process that assist nations in the design and application of effective actions to achieve a more sustainable urban development. Technical summary The adoption of the 2030 Agenda represents a daunting challenge for countries worldwide, which found its continuation in the New Urban Agenda (NUA) geared predominantly toward urban settlements. Although the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) has been widely monitored by global and national institutions, the progress of the NUA has not been properly addressed to date. With the purpose of filling this gap, this study aims to gauge the implementation level of the NUA through the analysis of all status reports issued hitherto by countries, on the basis of the reporting template designed to this effect by the United Nations. Findings revealed the scarce attention paid to report national progress on the application of the NUA, particularly marked in the most developed economies. Reporting guidelines showed a poor coverage of the SDGs, being mostly focused on a limited number of these as well as the institutional and economic dimensions. The low level of NUA implementation and the questionable effectiveness of the reporting framework for monitoring are main conclusions. Some recommendations were lastly suggested to enhance the application process of the NUA. Social media summary Most countries worldwide show little interest in the application of the New Urban Agenda.

Investigating the Nexus of Control of Corruption, Green Finance, and Environmental Upgradation in Developed Economies

This comprehensive study investigates the intricate relationships among three pivotal components: green finance, corruption control, and ecological footprint, with the primary objective of revealing the synergies shaping sustainable development. The research examines how environmentally aligned financial practices, effective anti-corruption measures, and responsible resource management collectively influence the ecological footprint within the top 10 developed economies, offering insights into strategies for fostering sustainable growth. Ecological footprint (EFT) data was obtained from the Global Footprint Network, while green finance (GFIN) data was sourced from the Asian Development Bank. The panel data used in the study spanned 18 years from 2000 to 2018 for the 10 selected countries. To address issues of endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity, the system generalized method of moments (GMM) was employed for hypothesis testing. By employing advanced modeling techniques, particularly the system generalized method of moments, the study verifies the positive impact of green finance in reducing the ecological footprint and carbon emissions, providing actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners in the OECD. Formulating two hypotheses, it assesses the positive relationship between green finance (GFIN) and ecological footprint (EFT) while considering control variables, and the negative relationship between GFIN and carbon emissions (CO2). Furthermore, it underscores the significance of control variables, such as control of corruption, population, GDP, and trade openness, in influencing ecological footprints and carbon emissions. These findings contribute invaluable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, guiding the path toward sustainable practices and a greener future in developed nations.

A gene–culture co-evolutionary perspective on the puzzle of human twinship

Abstract Natural selection should favour litter sizes that optimise trade-offs between brood-size and offspring viability. Across the primate order, the modal litter size is one, suggesting a deep history of selection favouring minimal litters in primates. Humans, however – despite having the longest juvenile period and slowest life-history of all primates – still produce twin births at appreciable rates, even though such births are costly. This presents an evolutionary puzzle. Why is twinning still expressed in humans despite its cost? More puzzling still is the discordance between the principal explanations for human twinning and extant empirical data. Such explanations propose that twinning is regulated by phenotypic plasticity in polyovulation, permitting the production of larger sib sets if and when resources are abundant. However, comparative data suggest that twinning rates are actually highest in poorer economies and lowest in richer, more developed economies. We propose that a historical dynamic of gene–culture co-evolution might better explain this geographic patterning. Our explanation distinguishes geminophilous and geminophobic cultural contexts, as those celebrating twins (e.g. through material support) and those hostile to twins (e.g. through sanction of twin-infanticide). Geminophilous institutions, in particular, may buffer the fitness cost associated with twinning, potentially reducing selection pressures against polyovulation. We conclude by synthesising a mathematical and empirical research programme that might test our ideas.

Corporate disclosure and earnings management: The moderating role of corporate governance mechanisms

Notwithstanding the enormous amount of regulation and standards governing the financial reporting process, corporate failures and prior research have strongly indicated that earnings management (EM) is becoming a regular business practice in most firms today. Although this practice is more common in developed economies, there is limited research on corporate governance (CG) failures that have occurred in East Africa’s emerging economies. In this study, therefore, we examine whether corporate governance mechanisms (CGM) moderate the association between corporate disclosure (CD) and EM using evidence from listed firms at the Uganda Securities Exchange (USE). We employ disclosure and corporate governance indices to measure the extent of CD and corporate governance. Additionally, we use the magnitude of discretionary accruals (DACC) obtained from the modified Jones model as a proxy for EM. We find that audit committee (AC) characteristics have a negative and significant moderating effect on the association between CD and EM. Our study contributes to the growing strand of literature on the moderating or complimentary effect of CGM in constraining EM in the context of an emerging economy.

Green Financing for Sustainable Development in Infrastructure Projects in Kenya

Transitioning into a decarbonized economy requires an unprecedented level of new capital investment, particularly in the form of green finance. Market and regulatory trends indicate that there is an increased interest in green and sustainable finance among investors and policymakers. However, capital mobilization for green investments has been constrained by microeconomic obstacles including maturity mismatches between long-term green investments; the typically short-term time horizons of investors and disintegrated financial and environmental policy approaches. It’s against this backdrop that the study intended to assess the green finance trends, green finance instruments and the challenges on green finance adoption.The study adopted desk review also known as Meta-analysis method to extract information concerning green finance trends, instruments and adoption challenges. The study established that to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), its necessary to open-up green projects and scale up the financing of investments that provide environmental benefits through innovative financial instruments and new policies such as green bonds, green banks, carbon market instruments, fiscal policy, green central banking, financial technologies and community-based green funds. However, Financial institutions show more interest in fossil fuel projects than green projects because of the low returns and risks associated with green investment compared to brown investment. To reduce the risk of green investment and increase the rate of return to the investors, the creation of green credit guarantee schemes and tax return on revenue generated from the green energy spillover effect is necessary. In conclusion green finance market is well structured in developed economies unlike developing economies due to underdeveloped capital markets, regulatory gaps and unstandardized green taxonomy.Thus the study recommends the development of green finance database and incorporation of green agenda in public policy institutions’ mandates and procurement;Standardization and information disclosure regarding Green investment risks, green taxonomy and commoditization of environmental factors into tradable assets; Raising awareness; Offering tax incentive on green projects; Developing Carbon Capital Markets; Stock Trading of Green finance products; Strengthen the social responsibilities of investors and Technology adoption.

Older adult consumers and local competition in the healthcare service

AbstractPopulation aging is a global phenomenon observed in many developed economies. On the one hand, this trend suggests significant opportunities for healthcare providers due to increasing service demand. On the other hand, it also implies that the industry requires new managerial knowledge to accommodate older adult consumers. In this research, we propose and examine the impact of older adult consumers on healthcare provider performance and identify boundary conditions related to two types of competition: intra‐ and inter‐competition. Using longitudinal data on healthcare provider revenues, we find that an increase in the older adult population increases the revenues of generalists but decreases those of specialists. Second, the positive effect of elderly consumers on generalists is amplified when intra‐competition (from same‐type physicians) increases and diminishes when inter‐competition (from different‐type physicians) intensifies. Third, for specialist healthcare providers, the negative impact of older adult population is mitigated by intra‐competition but exacerbated when inter‐competition becomes strong. Our results offer theoretical implications for the healthcare service marketing literature and managerial insights into decisions related to healthcare service locations. Specifically, our findings suggest that healthcare providers need to carefully consider the proportion of older adult consumers, the presence of local competitors, and their own specialties, as these factors all have a meaningful impact on performance.

РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ ЕКОНОМІКИ КРЕДИТНИМ МУЛЬТИПЛІКАТОРОМ

The author asserts that the credit multiplier of the country’s banking system regulates the growth of the economy and characterizes the level of its development and prove that the limiter and indicator of economic development is the share of value added by production in the aggregate product, which determines the existing technological mode. It is proved that the ratio of nominal GDP to the monetary base of the Central Bank is identical to the product of the credit multiplier and the speed of money circulation that is constant for each technological mode. We consider the industrialized economies, developed economies, and highly developed economies. The marginal zero inflation multiplier is determined, at which real GDP growth stops and a transition to a deflationary crisis occurs. It is established that the Central Bank’s increase in the interest rate to reduce inflation leads to a sharp decrease in the multiplier and lending to production, while credit regulation allows us to reduce inflation by targeting, without changing the interest rate and without reducing lending. A model for regulating the economy with a credit multiplier has been developed using an engineering calculator and Ukraine’s economic recovery in 2024–2025 has been simulated. Keywords: economy, credit regulation, market, balance, labor, capital, money, credit multiplier, interest rate, currency, financial papers, crisis, inflation.

Research on the institutional environment of the green economy: foreign and domestic experience

The article presents an overview analysis of current trends in the development of a green economy through the prism of institutional frameworks both at the global and domestic levels. The main aspects of the formation of an institutional environment conducive to sustainable economic growth are analyzed, taking into account the experience of foreign countries and domestic research in this area. An overview of the main trends and institutional factors influencing the green economy is presented . Key points are analyzed, such as the impact of environmental challenges on the formation of economic policies, the implementation of environmentally oriented laws and initiatives, the development of sustainable production and consumption patterns, and the role of innovation and green technologies in creating new opportunities for economic growth. The article presents a comprehensive analysis of institutional aspects that influence the development of the green economy in the global and domestic context. The study is based on a review of foreign experience in countries with developed green economies, such as Sweden, Germany, and the experience of the Russian Federation in adapting institutional mechanisms. The article examines key aspects of the institutional environment, such as legal norms, financial mechanisms, political strategies and regulatory mechanisms that contribute to the formation and development of a green economy. The results of the study highlight the importance of effective institutional governance for the development of a green economy and the need for efforts towards creating a more suitable institutional environment conducive to sustainable environmental development.

АНАЛІЗ ЗОВНІШНЬОЇ ТОРГІВЛІ ТОВАРАМИ УКРАЇНИ З КРАЇНАМИ ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОГО СОЮЗУ

The article is devoted to the study of foreign trade in goods of Ukraine with the countries of the European Union (hereinafter – the EU) with the identification of priority partners for the purpose of diversification and activation of foreign trade cooperation. It was emphasized that the foreign trade of Ukraine is dominated by trade in goods, where a negative trade balance is formed, in particular, in trade with EU countries. In order to determine the key consumers of domestic goods among the EU-27 countries, an ABC analysis was conducted based on the volume of goods exported to them by Ukraine in 2016–2021. The distribution of EU countries into groups was carried out as follows: group A – countries that account for a significant volume of exports of goods by Ukraine (about 80% of the total volume); group B – countries with an average level of export supplies of goods from Ukraine (about 15%); group C – countries with a small volume of exports of goods from Ukraine (about 5%). ABC-analysis is complemented by XYZ-analysis, which allows to analyze and forecast the stability of export of goods to EU countries. Based on the results of the ABC-XYZ analysis, a conclusion was made regarding the expediency of supporting the volume and dynamics of trade cooperation with key EU partner countries in the export of goods – Poland, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and the need to intensify efforts to increasing the export of goods to countries that in the medium term have the potential to become attractive markets for the consumption of domestic products – France, Bulgaria, Belgium, Lithuania, and to a lesser extent – Denmark, Greece and Latvia. At the same time, it is noted that the vast majority of these countries are highly developed economies of the European Union, and trade in goods with them for Ukraine is disparate. Therefore, it is important to continue cooperation with the EU regarding the signing of the Agreement on Conformity Assessment and Acceptance of Industrial Products, recognition of the equivalence of sanitary and phytosanitary measures for opening markets, and simplifying the export of food and agricultural products. It is also necessary to increase efforts to gradually open public procurement markets. The further liberalization of transport with the EU, the conclusion of agreements in the field of road, inland water and railway transport are also important.

Государственные инвестиции и устойчивость мировой экономики

As history shows, in difficult periods, there is invariably an increase in the state’s involvement in economic life. As of now, there is a number fundamental macrotrends showing that the world fell into a highly dangerous situation of so called polycrisis. These include more and more evident dysfunction of the US-centric model of globalization, the inexorable formation of new independent centers of international power, extremely high level of geopolitical turbulence. The global financial and economic sphere continues to function due to massive debt pumping which translates to its underlying fragility. That is why the formation of an efficient system of sustainable development, as proclaimed in the UN SDG program, is so urgent. In order to overcome the current state of instability the world economy needs to found and engage stable and reliable sources of long-term capital instead of borrowed money. Such capital is available with the institutional investors, primarily the sovereign wealth funds and pension funds. As for the first ones, in recent years, they have noticeably diversified the goals, directions and objects of their operations. The changes are so serious that a term “sovereign wealth funds 3.0” entered into the analytical discourse. In the activities of most state investors, there is a tendency to shift the focus from the external to the internal one, which does not allow capital to completely dissolve in the global financial system. The geographical priorities of investment are changing: if initially the focus of state funds was on the most developed economies of the world, now it is beginning to shift towards the world majority, which in the future should contribute to a more equal distribution of productive forces and wealth and, as a result, to increase the stability of the world economy and improve the quality of its dynamics. “Sovereign wealth funds 3.0” are also characterized by new methods of funding, when it is provided by giving the fund the right to use cash flows generated by the state assets entrusted to it. Some sovereign wealth funds, having reached a certain level of maturity, enter the global private capital market, partially filling the deficit of reliable debt instruments observed there. Due to the peculiarities of financing and a long-term planning horizon, large sovereign wealth funds are able to painlessly absorb temporary financial losses, compensating them in the long-term perspective. This allows them to carry out the most important long-term projects. Thus, the state investment funds make a significant, though not always visible and appreciated, contribution into the stabilization of the financial market and the global economy at large.

Efforts of Nepal's Least Developed Countries (LDC) Graduation and Its Challenges

The primary objectives of this study are to examine the initiatives undertaken by the government of Nepal for LDC graduation, identify challenges faced during process, and discuss the potential impact of graduation. This study is based on qualitative analysis of secondary data obtained from diverse domestic and international sources. Major sources include literature reviews, government policies, reports, and international declarations. Comprehensive desk review on the issue shows that Nepal has undertaken a strategic plan for LDC graduation, prioritizing investments in human capital, infrastructure, and healthcare, while addressing income disparities. Nepal has already achieved two requirements; HAI and EVI, and Nepal fell significantly short of the LDC graduation threshold of a per capita GNI. The plan includes achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and progressing from a lower-middle income to an upper-middle-income nation by 2030.Despite progress, Nepal faces challenges in achieving graduation, including political instability, governance issues, and environmental vulnerabilities. The country lags in good governance rankings, which could hinder its development efforts. Nepal's commitment to SDGs is seen as a potential driver for LDC graduation, focusing on sustainability, gender equality, clean energy, job creation, and economic development. Nepal aims to become a high-income country by 2043, emphasizing poverty reduction, trade balance improvement, and overall quality of life enhancement. Leaving the LDC category will bring opportunities but also challenges, including the loss of special market access that was provided to the least developed countries like Nepal. Other challenges may involve growing trade and market capacity and strengthening the global competitiveness of internal production. Internally, intersectional variations of inequalities and poverty among and between regions, castes and ethnic groups in Nepal may generate challenges meeting LDC graduations and its sustainability.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN THE CONTEXT OF GLOBAL COMPETITION: TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS AND INVESTMENT PRIORITIES

In today's world, globalization and digital technologies are significantly transforming the landscape of international trade. Digital transformation has become a critical aspect that determines the competitiveness of countries and businesses in the international arena. The study aims to identify the impact of the digitalization of international trade on the economic development of countries and their competitiveness based on technological innovations that determine the future of global competition at the country and company levels, affect trade processes, and identify and justify investment priorities to support digital transformation in Ukraine.The study analyzes the impact of the digitalization of international trade on the economic development of countries, which is caused by the digital divide between developed and least developed countries (LDCs). Developed countries are characterized by Internet coverage and access of more than 90%, as opposed to LDCs, where the corresponding figure is less than 20%. Given the current conditions of access to the Internet, the countries of the latter group are not able to be fully involved in e-commerce and cross-border trade in digital products. An additional barrier to developing digital commerce in certain regions of the world is the need for more legislation on various e-commerce trade issues.The impact of the war in Ukraine on the e-commerce market is determined: the e-commerce market declined 12 times in 2022 compared to the pre-war period and began to recover gradually in 2023. The market is expected to recover almost fully in Ukraine by the end of 2023 or early 2024. The main challenge for Ukraine will be to expand the scope of the existing free trade agreements to cover services, e-commerce, and investment. Ukraine should become a significant player in several global markets for services and digital products, given the availability of an updated regulatory framework on these issues. E-commerce is expected to grow rapidly after the end of the war in Ukraine.