Factors for ensuring the economic security of depressed regions in the context of digital transformation

Abstract

Purpose: of the study is to determine the factors that have both a positive and a negative impact on the economic security of depressed regions. Methods: of statistical analysis and ratio assessment were applied in determining the economic security of depressed regions, as well as cluster analysis, in order to identify similar trends in regions, on the basis of which it is possible to identify factors that affect economic security. The study is based on the analysis of statistical data from EMISS, as well as data from the Expert RA rating agency. The calculations were performed using the following programs: Microsoft Office Excel 2016 (calculation of the values of the resulting indicators of economic security of depressed regions) and IBM SPSS Statistics 2019 (carrying out cluster analysis). Results: an assessment of the economic security of depressed regions was carried out. It was revealed that all regions have problems with financial stability and a low level of development of foreign economic activity. However, for a number of socio-economic indicators, the Altai Republic, Pskov Region, and Kalmykia Republic reach values above the Russian average, but the indicators of average per capita cash income still remain low. Based on the cluster analysis of regions, a number of factors influencing the economic security of depressed regions have been identified. Conclusions and Relevance: for each cluster, key factors influencing economic security have been identified. The processes of digital transformation, subject to their high-quality implementation, become a positive factor in ensuring economic security for regions that occupy low positions in socio-economic development. The primary factors for ensuring economic security for regions that make up another cluster are qualitative changes aimed at the economic growth of the region.