Purpose – The article aims to investigate the evolution of digitalization as a managerial and socio-economic phenomenon, from computerization and informatization to the current stage of digital transformation. It focuses on identifying the key problems and prospects of digitalization in Ukraine in comparison with the European Union, emphasizing the integration of Ukrainian business into the European digital single market.
Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on a combination of theoretical analysis of scientific literature, comparative assessment of definitions and conceptual frameworks, and empirical evaluation of statistical indicators from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine and Eurostat. The SWOT and TOWS analysis methods are applied to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of digitalization.
Findings – The results demonstrate that Ukraine has achieved significant progress in the development of e-government services (GovTech leadership) and in building digital ecosystems. However, there remain critical weaknesses, including insufficient digital skills among the population, low digitalization rates of small and medium-sized enterprises, and a lack of sustainable financing models. Opportunities are connected with European integration, reskilling programs, and industrial digitalization, while threats are linked to cyber risks, regulatory uncertainty, and workforce migration.
Practical implications – The findings highlight the necessity for policymakers and business leaders to adopt a systemic approach to digital transformation, combining infrastructure development, human capital investment, and cybersecurity reinforcement. The article provides recommendations for aligning Ukraine’s digitalization strategies with European practices.
Originality/value – The paper contributes to the academic discussion by systematizing the evolution of concepts (computerization, informatization, digitalization), bridging theoretical frameworks with empirical data, and offering a holistic analysis of Ukraine’s digital transformation through SWOT/TOWS methodology. It also enriches Ukrainian scholarly discourse with references to both international and national research sources.
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