Correlation Analysis of Competitiveness Factors and Contribution of Ukraine’s ICT Sector to GDP and GVA

The article examines the statistical relationships between the key factors of international competitiveness of Ukraine’s ICT sector and its contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) and gross value added (GVA). In the context of digital transformation, the ICT sector is becoming an important driver of innovation and economic growth, especially for transition economies such as Ukraine. The aim of the study is to quantify the strength and direction of correlations between certain groups of competitiveness factors (ICT infrastructure, human capital, business environment, R&D, international integration) and economic indicators that characterise the role of the ICT sector in Ukraine’s economy. The methodological basis of the study is the operationalisation of indicators, correlation analysis, time series analysis and visualisation of results. The empirical results show that there are strong positive correlations between the high level of ICT services exports, the development of ICT infrastructure, the share of ICT professionals in the employment structure, and the share of the ICT sector in Ukraine’s GDP and GVA. Besides, a positive impact has been found for indicators characterising investments in education and science, the level of participation in international trade, and the number of scientific researches in ICTs. Conversely, a number of negative factors have been identified that limit the competitiveness and share of the ICT sector in Ukraine’s economy, including low levels of innovation financing, regulatory instability, insufficient development of venture capital, cyber risks, and a high level of migration of ICT professionals abroad. The statistical testing of the hypotheses confirmed the significance of the identified links between the factors of international competitiveness of the ICT sector and the GDP and GVA of Ukraine. The practical significance of the study lies in the formation of an analytical basis for the development of a State policy to support the ICT sector, aimed at enhancing its role in the country’s economic growth and strengthening Ukraine’s position in the global ICT market.