Statistical assessment of digital transformation in European Union countries under sustainable development goal 9

Abstract The pivotal role of digital transformation (DT) in contemporary socio-economic development cannot be overstated. This crucial aspect is highlighted in the Agenda 2030, specifically in goal 9 among the 17 objectives. This article presents the results of a study assessing the level of DT in industry, innovation, and infrastructure in the 27 European Union (EU) countries in 2015 and 2020. Central to this study is the proposition of an aggregated Digital Transformation Assessment Indicator (DTAI), serving as a metric to gauge the progression of EU member states. Utilizing this indicator, the article assesses the advancement status of EU countries and orchestrates a comparative ranking of their achievements in fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 between 2015 and 2020. Moreover, a classification of countries into analogous groups based on this criterion for both periods is provided. The DTAI is prepared following the methodology of the linear ordering of objects—countries of the EU 27. The zero unitarization method (ZUM) is used as the main ordering method. To compare the results obtained, the DTAI value and classifications of countries in 2015, and 2020, are also presented using Hellwig’s pattern development method. The findings of this investigation underscore the variances existing among the EU 27 nations concerning the implementation of SDG 9. Furthermore, notable fluctuations in ranking positions are also observed. The research outcomes underscore significant challenges in DT implementation, particularly within Central, Eastern, and Southern European nations. The utilized research methodology bears substantial implications for the effective realization of the 2030 Agenda and its corresponding SDGs, both at the individual nation-state level and within the broader framework of the EU.