But the positive dynamics are primarily due to changes in the methodology and is not
based on fundamental qualitative changes in the field of ICT development in Ukraine.
The low level of ICT development is due to low government demand, and the complex
regulatory environment does not create favorable conditions for the use of ICT in
business, although at the same time, the demand for ICT by the population is
increasing: over 6 years, the number of Internet users has increased significantly - 3
times, and broadband - 10 times. Extremely affordable tariffs for telecommunication
services and the level of literacy of the population are still competitive advantages of
the country, but they remain unrealized. Underutilization of internal potential and low
priority of ICT have led to the fact that former socialist countries outperform Ukraine
both in terms of the level and the dynamics of ICT development, primarily due to the
high interest of the government.
In the current situation, the main task for Ukraine is to increase the role of
government in the development of ICT as a driving force for increasing
competitiveness and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
That is why in January 2018 the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the
Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy and Society of Ukraine for 2018-
2020 and approved a plan of measures for its implementation [19]. This document is
actually a roadmap for the digital transformation of the Ukrainian economy. The
concept involves the transition from a raw-material type of economy that consumes
natural resources to high-tech industries and efficient processes through IT
technologies and communications.
This Concept provides the basis for implementation of the forced digitalization
scenario of Ukraine and defines key policies, priority areas, initiatives and projects of
"digitalization" of Ukraine for the next 3 years [19]:
- Development of digital infrastructure;
- Broadband Internet (ATM) should be on the whole territory of Ukraine;
- Digitization of educational processes and stimulation of digital transformations
in the system of education, medicine, ecology, cashless economy, infrastructure,
transport, public safety, etc.
The successful experience of Sweden, Korea, Estonia, Ireland, and Israel shows
that the immediate effect of a comprehensive digital economy development is 20% of
GDP over a five-year period, while ROI's investment in digital transformation is up to
500% [20]. The ambitious plan for 2021, thanks to the development of the digital
economy, is at least + 5% of GDP [20]. To do this, you need to use the competitive
advantages of a country that already exists and eliminate key barriers.
According to the "Boston Consulting Group" (BCG), in 2016 the size of the
network segment of the digital economy ("Internet economy") of the G20 countries
amounted to 4.2 trillion US dollars, while in 2010 this indicator was 2.3 trillion US
dollars (or 4.1% of the Gross Domestic Product of the G-20 countries). Experts BCG
predict that the global economy, based on Internet technologies, in 2035 will reach 16
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