Problems and prospects of digital development of small and medium-sized businesses in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus

In the modern world of rapidly developing technologies, digitalization has become not just a trend, but a vital condition for the successful functioning of any business, regardless of its scale. In Russia, as in many other countries, digitalization processes have taken a leading position among development priorities. Today digitalization implies the active and widespread introduction of modern digital technologies, automation tools and innovative solutions in all areas of business, which means a transition from traditional, manual methods of work to automated processes based on digital data. Digitalization is of particular importance for the development of Russian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is this segment of the economy that is the most dynamic, flexible and adaptable to changes in most developed countries of the world. The introduction of digital solutions in small and medium-sized businesses will improve their competitiveness, create new jobs, strengthen economic growth and make Russia more competitive at the global level. The article examines the results of a study of the state of small and medium-sized businesses in Russia and the Republic of Belarus, the degree of implementation of digital technologies in small and medium-sized businesses in the two countries. Based on the results of the comparative analysis, a conclusion was made about the positive dynamics of the development of both the SME sector as a whole and the level of its digitalization, the directions of digital development of small and medium-sized businesses in the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus were determined.