Evaluating an Impact of Digital Transformation

This study considers the effects of digital transformation projects together with associated risks. Based on the reports of the World Bank and OECD, and academic papers of Russian and foreign scientists, the author highlighted a number of positive and negative consequences of digitalization at the state- and corporate-levels, which have both material and intangible effects and affect the economy and social sphere. Despite the number of existing articles devoted to the digital economy, academics usually sidestep assessments of generated impacts and do not contain methodological proposals or a criterion platform. The author proposes the following approaches for the evaluation of impacts inspired by digital transformation. At the state level – through the growth of gross domestic product, calculated based on an increase in gross value added and tax receipts. At the corporate level – through the calculation of economic value added. The author also evolves intangible effects, including the well-being of the population and employees and proposes to apply “willingness to pay” methodology. To systematize and centralize the impacts of digital transformation at the state level, a special digital index, similar to the OECD digital government concept, could be developed. This will allow the Russian Government to assess the current level of digital maturity, identify weaknesses and gaps, as well as areas for action. Further research in this area can be aimed at clarifying individual indicators of digital transformation and the effectiveness of their adaptation to the specifics of particular sectors of the economy.