Digital Development of the National Economy of Ukraine and EU Countries: Sindex and Benchmarking Analysis

Abstract

The relevance of this study is driven by the rapid development of the digital economy and the increasing role of digital technologies in ensuring national competitiveness, effective public administration, and sustainable development. In modern conditions, international digitalization indices serve as important tools for assessing the level of digital development of countries and determining the effectiveness of digital transformation. For Ukraine, the study of digitalization is of particular importance in the context of European integration processes and comparison with European Union countries. The purpose of the article is to examine the structure and dynamics of the main international digitalization indices, as well as to conduct a comparative analysis of the level of digital development in Ukraine and EU countries. The methodological basis of the research includes methods of comparative, statistical, and bibliometric analysis, systematization, and graphical data visualization. The information base consists of materials from Scopus®, the European Commission, the World Bank, the United Nations, the ITU, and the Portulans Institute. During the study, the dynamics of scientific publications, the structure of international digitalization indices, and indicators of digital development in Ukraine and EU countries were analyzed. The article examines the features of the DESI, NRI, IDI, and EGDI indices, identifies their structural components, and determines their practical significance. It was established that EU countries are characterized by a high level of digital maturity and a well-developed digital infrastructure. Ukraine demonstrates positive dynamics in digitalization, especially in the fields of mobile communications and e-government, but still lags behind EU countries in terms of digital infrastructure and digital competencies of the population. Bibliometric analysis confirmed a significant increase in scientific interest in digitalization issues and their interdisciplinary nature. The study also identified a relationship between the level of digitalization and environmental indicators, particularly the reduction of CO2 emissions. As a result of the study, it was concluded that international digitalization indices are effective tools for assessing digital development and shaping state digital policy. Ukraine has significant potential for the further development of the digital economy and gradual convergence with the standards of the European Union.