DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF RUSSIAN REGIONS: CORRELATION ASSESSMENTS AND MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS

The correlation between digital maturity and sustainable development in Russian regions within the context of contemporary fragmentation and deglobalization is the main issue of the research. The study employs a comparative analysis of existing official rankings of regional digital maturity and sustainable development, supplemented by expert assessments. This research is particularly relevant given the need for innovative approaches to achieving economic, social, and environmental sustainability in regional development amidst a shifting global landscape. Statistical analysis and expert interviews reveal a positive, albeit nonlinear, correlation between digitalization and sustainable development within the Russian Federation's constituent entities. It was found that the nature of this relationship is mediated by regional specificities. Key barriers to the effective deployment of digital technologies to achieve sustainable development include a shortage of qualified personnel, fragmented digital solutions, limited access to digital infrastructure, and insufficient understanding of the principles of sustainable development and ESG agenda by regional authorities. The article highlights the potential of digital platforms and administrative process optimization to enhance the effectiveness and transparency of state and municipal governance, thereby achieving sustainable development objectives. The findings provide an analytical foundation for policymakers to further investigate the causal links between digitalization and sustainability and inform the development of effective management strategies. Furthermore, the study identifies essential competencies for civil servants to successfully implement digital transformation in the field of sustainable development.