The main drivers and anti-drivers of the digital transformation of the regional economy

Subject. The article discusses drivers and anti-drivers of the digital transformation of the regional economy. Objectives. The purpose is to identify drivers and anti-drivers of digital transformation of regions based on foreign and domestic experience, development of directions and ways to enhance digital transformation in the regions. Methods. The study rests on theoretical principles of digitalization of the economy and society. We employed methods of analysis, comparative statistical analysis, induction and deduction. Results. We identified factors that can have a multidirectional impact on the digital transformation of the regional economy, created an empirical database describing the ten main drivers of digital transformation in Russia. Furthermore, we formed three groups of regional anti-drivers. Conclusions. Government policy and the development of digital platforms play an important role in digital transformation of the regional economy. Digital transformation requires significant investment from businesses, as well as enhanced digital literacy of the population. Solving the identified problems will reduce the number of digital transformation anti-drivers. Focusing regional policy in the field of digital transformation on priority sectors of the economy will bring the region to a new level of digitalization.