DEVELOPMENT OF THE DIGITAL ECONOMY THROUGH THE PRISM OF MODERNIZATION OF THE EDUCATIONAL SPHERE

Modern challenges of the digital economy require a qualitative transformation of the education system as the basis for training a new generation of personnel. The article examines the features of digitalization of the educational sphere in Russian regions in the context of its role in the development of the digital economy. A comparative statistical analysis of key indicators of digital maturity of educational institutions was carried out, including the level of Internet connection, provision of computer equipment, the proportion of teachers with ICT qualifications and coverage of electronic educational resources. Using cluster analysis, the regions were grouped by the level of digital development, which made it possible to identify three sustainable models of digitalization: advanced, average and lagging. The regulatory framework for digital transformation of education is also considered, and barriers that slow down its development are identified – personnel shortages, limited infrastructure, and unbalanced regulatory framework. The work is based on a multi-method approach, including quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis, including expert interviews. The results indicate the need for targeted regional policies and institutional support to overcome the digital divide and improve the effectiveness of digital modernization of education.