THE ECONOMIC ROLE OF BIG DATA IN THE CONTEXT OF THE TOTAL DIGITAL TRANSITION OF SHIPYARDS

In this article, the author examines the positive impacts of technological transformations that have been continuously reshaping the global economic landscape. One of the most prominent transformations involves the global digitization of business processes related to the production of goods and the provision of services, aimed at meeting the most demanding market requirements. This digitization extends to both the “input” and “output” links of the value chain. The article highlights that advanced information and communication tools, combined with expanded access to the Internet for both consumers and producers, have created favorable conditions for generating vast amounts of data, commonly referred to as “big data” in professional circles. These data are not confined to specialized networks; their sources include social media, forums, blogs, and other widely used online platforms. The article emphasizes that the topic of processing and leveraging big data by domestic shipbuilding industries has not yet received the attention it genuinely deserves. The reasons for this lack of attention are outlined in detail. Arguments are presented in favor of employing big data analytics even in industries traditionally perceived as “conservative,” such as shipbuilding. The radical expansion of supercomputing capacities, advancements in cloud technologies and distributed computing, along with the mobilization of artificial intelligence, can satisfy the growing demand for leveraging valuable insights from big data. These insights include consumer behavior analysis, market trend forecasting, and the discovery of innovative engineering solutions during ship design and construction. The article provides an example of European shipyards joining forces to engage all relevant stakeholders in harmonizing data management solutions and standards to address the challenges of digitization effectively. It is confirmed that big data not only represents a crucial asset in the knowledge-based economy but also constitutes a valuable commodity, forming a distinct segment of the global market.