Abstract
The paper is devoted to an empirical analysis of the relationship between the digital economy and innovative competitiveness, based on the case of the Black Sea region countries. The relevance of the study is обусловed by the fact that, in the context of globalization, the formation of economic competitiveness is increasingly grounded in digital transformation, technological progress, and the development of innovative potential. This issue is of particular importance in the Black Sea region, where economies with differing levels of development coexist and pronounced structural asymmetries are evident, creating additional challenges for both stimulating economic growth and fostering the formation of innovative ecosystems. In this context, understanding the role of the digital economy as a key determinant of countries’ positions in the global competitive landscape is especially significant.
The aim of the study is to analyze the impact of digital economy development on the formation of innovative competitiveness. Within this objective, the research focuses on assessing how the intensity of digital technology use, the quality of digital infrastructure, and the level of digital skills influence innovation activity and competitiveness. In addition, particular attention is paid to the interaction among these factors and the potential synergistic effects arising from their combined development. The study also considers the role of the institutional environment and the education system in strengthening the digital economy, which ultimately contributes to enhancing innovation capacity and ensuring economic resilience.
Methodologically, the research is based on a quantitative approach, ensuring the objectivity and generalizability of the findings. Data were collected through a survey of 100 respondents using an online questionnaire platform. The sample included representatives from diverse professional and social groups, allowing for a more comprehensive reflection of the multifaceted impact of the digital economy. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and correlational statistical methods, enabling the identification of the strength and direction of relationships between variables. Additionally, elements of comparative analysis were employed to better assess regional differences and emerging trends.
The empirical results indicate significant positive relationships among the key components of the digital economy. In particular, digital skills demonstrate a strong influence on both professional and economic competitiveness, confirming that human capital is one of the most critical resources in the modern economy. Furthermore, the intensive use of digital technologies significantly stimulates the growth of innovative activity, enhances productivity, and supports the development of new business models. The findings also reveal that access to digital infrastructure is an important precondition for economic development opportunities; however, it is not the sole determining factor, as its effective utilization depends on both the institutional environment and the digital competencies of the population.
The results of the study confirm that the digital economy constitutes one of the fundamental bases for the formation of innovative competitiveness. At the same time, its effective development is determined by a multifactorial environment, including the quality of human capital, the effectiveness of the education system, and the robustness of institutional arrangements. The paper also highlights the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors, the support of innovation, and the implementation of appropriate policies in the process of digital transformation. The practical significance of the study lies in the fact that its findings can be used in the development of economic and innovation policies, particularly for the countries of the Black Sea region, where digital transformation remains in an active phase of development and requires targeted and coordinated approaches.