Digitalization of the Russian economy: the institutional drivers

The research analyzes various approaches to interpreting the term ‘digital economy’. In fact, this concept includes a wide range of categories combined by the informatization and computerization of society. The research investigates different factors contributing to the digitalization of the economy in the Russian Federation. The author concludes that, in general, the Russian institutional environment can be considered as favorable for digitalization (this process has positive drivers rather than faces obstacles). However, there are concerns about the associated risks (for example, a negative impact on employment levels and a threat to the personal privacy of citizens). Besides, the research demonstrates that the introduction of modern technology will allow the country to achieve the necessary competitiveness and fulfill its potential.