Digital Inclusiveness for Sustainable Development

This research aims to define the prospects for managing the digital inclusiveness of society and the economy in the interests of sustainable development. The research methodology relies on correlation and regression analysis for which the authors refer to official UN statistics. Based on advanced international experience, the authors developed an econometric model for the top 20 most inclusive digital economies in the world in 2023, revealing the cause-and-effect relationships of digital inclusiveness of contemporary socioeconomic systems with the implementation of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The model revealed that the implementation of SDGs characterizing digital inclusiveness, such as SDGs 9 and 10, is strongly and consistently linked with advancements in implementing SDGs 3, 5, and 16. Conversely, its association with achievements in implementing SDGs 7 and 11 is less pronounced and consistent. The model shows weak or negative connections with the implementation of the remaining SDGs. Using Russia as an example, the authors identified the perspective of managing the digital inclusiveness of society and the economy in the interests of sustainable development in the Decade of Action (until 2030). Comprehensive recommendations for implementing this perspective in practice have also been proposed. The main conclusion of the authors is that flexible management of inclusiveness is necessary to ensure sustainable development in the conditions of a digital economy. The theoretical significance of the results and conclusions is expressed in that they have formed a comprehensive scientific understanding of the relationship between digital inclusiveness and sustainable development. The research contributes to the literature by adapting the sustainable development concept to the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. For this purpose, the research specifies the relationship between digital inclusiveness and results in the field of sustainable development. The empirical value of the authors’ universal conclusions lies in the fact that they will practically ensure the systemic achievement of digital inclusiveness and implementation of SDGs. Applied recommendations for Russia identified strategic guidelines for the most complete realization of the potential for ensuring inclusiveness and sustainability of the Russian digital economy.