Integration of the university into the process of digital transformation of the regional economy and social sphere

Introduction. A key barrier in the period of economy digitalization is the lack of qualified personnel having necessary competencies for the development, implementation and the use of digital technologies. The authors analyze the current stage of digital transformation of the Russian economy and that of foreign countries, the role of universities in this process, considering in close connection the concepts of information policy and the strategy of digital transformation of the university; they propose approaches to form the university policy in the field of information technologies in order to develop digital skills of human resources. The purpose of the study is to identify the ways to effectively integrate universities into the process of digital transformation of the regional economy and social sphere. Materials and Methods. To study the problem, research and survey results on the subject of the study were selected, as well as key legal acts and documents defining and regulating the processes of digital economy transformation in Russia. In the course of the research, the method of analysis was used: to compare the indicators of citizens’ digital literacy during the digital economy transformation; to determine and summarize measures of state and regional policy in the field of education, the role and experience of universities’ participation in the process of overcoming the barriers to the digital transformation of the economy and the social sphere. Results. As a result of the study, the barriers to the digital economy transformation were identified, among which the problem of personnel shortage and, as a result, personnel training is the leading one. The authors conclude that the effectiveness of the university’s information technology policy can become an indicator of the university’s readiness for digital transformation. Discussion and Conclusion. The results obtained relate to changes in both the internal educational environment and changes in the content and format of education; they contribute to the development of the training system of highly qualified personnel for the national digital economy, strategic planning of regional development, educational management. The materials of the article can be useful to the heads of educational institutions of higher education when forming the digital transformation strategy in the aspect of three missions: educational, scientific, educative.