ANALYZING THE UKRAINIAN’S GOVERNANCE OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY: TRUST, REGULATION AND DIGITAL INEQUALITY

Abstract

This study investigates the governance of the digital economy in Ukraine based on an analysis of the Governance subindex of the Network Readiness Index (NRI). The study employed a combination of methods, including bibliometric analysis, comparative and retrospective analyses, and profile building methods. Data from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection were processed using the R software package bibliometrix, along with the Network Readiness Index database. These findings underscore the complexity and significance of trust, regulation, and inclusion in the context of digital technology development. According to the 2023 rankings, Ukraine holds the 58th position out of 134 countries. Ukraine ranks 78th in the government’s role in promoting participation in the networked economy, 54th in trust envirofavourability, and 60th in digital inequality. A detailed analysis of governance metrics (trust, regulation, and inclusion) identified significant gaps hindering Ukraine’s digital economy development: inequality in rural access to and adoption of digital technologies; inadequate adaptation of Internet content and services to local needs; insufficient quality, relevance, and utility of government websites; imperfect legal frameworks for user data privacy protection; and low commitment to cybersecurity. Therefore, there is a critical need for further enhancement of the regulatory environment to foster digital development, address digital inequalities, and increase trust in digital technologies in Ukraine. This article provides a deep understanding of the current challenges and opportunities in managing the digital economy in Ukraine, which is pertinent to both academic research and practical applications.