The Transformation of the Russian Industrial Complex Under Digitalisation

The article presents an approach to assessing the transformation of an industrial complex in the con? ditions of deep penetration of digital technologies into the material sector of the economy. It formulates a theoretical research platform based on the theory of the new industrial society, and substantiates a methodology encompassing reproductive, institutional and synergetic approaches. The paper shows that the transformation of the industrial complex, caused by any factors and implemented in any conditions, is always a discrete process of qualitative changes, leading to significant structural changes and institu? tional transformations. The author proposes a method for identifying the stages of the industrial complex transformation in the digital economy, representing them in the form of a pyramid, each of which has a certain “gene of digitalisation”. The author’s digitalisation pyramid includes five stages: primary ICT digitalisation; electronic data exchange with external partners; application of special software; own pro? duction of information and communication technologies and equipment; production and application of industrial robots and sensors. Having applied the described method, the author assesses the level of digi? talisation of the Russian industrial complex and makes a conclusion about quite high degree of primary computerisation, inclusion of industrial enterprises into “digital” exchange with suppliers and consumers, and dynamic development of the domestic software. At the same time, the analysis demonstrated that the process of digital transformation of the Russian industry is at its initial stages, and the achievement of the ambitious goals is possible only provided the goverment implements a competent industrial policy.