Problematic aspects of the process of digital transformation of the Slovak Republic and protection of personal data

The article analyzes the overall digital transformation of the Slovak Republic. Particular attention is paid to the Digital Economy and Society Index, which provides a constructive comparison of Slovakia’s performance with other EU member states in a wide range of sectors. It is used to track the progress and level of development of the digital economy and society in the following areas: digital skills and education, digital infrastructure development, digital business transformation, and digitization of public services. In addition to the direct analysis of these four areas, we have separately highlighted the problems of personal data protection in the context of global digitalization and the new challenges associated with it, which should be addressed on the basis of the principle of technological neutrality. This area should be protected by legal acts that can actually guarantee the observance of fundamental rights and freedoms. Currently, Slovakia continues to pursue a digital transformation strategy until 2030, which includes, among other things, the integration of innovative technologies in enterprises, including cloud and edge computing, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. However, despite the active development of the digital economy, the country continues to occupy low positions in EU rankings, as it lags behind the EU average in all key criteria. We have analyzed the key factors that determine this situation: the lack of a unified vision of digital transformation and a single integrated approach; for enterprises that integrate digital technologies, the constant administrative burden, low awareness of financing opportunities and financial instruments, low investment in gigabit connectivity, low mathematical literacy of students and brain drain, the country does not properly monitor the implementation of the policies described in Slovakia’s Digital Transformation Strategy until 2030, etc.