Digitalisation Under Surveillance. The Development of the 5G Network in Russia
Digitalisation Under Surveillance. The Development of the 5G Network in Russia

Author(s): Iwona Wiśniewska
Subject(s): Media studies, National Economy, Economic policy, Government/Political systems, ICT Information and Communications Technologies
Published by: OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia
Keywords: 5G network in Russia; Digitalisation; surveillance; “Digital Economy”; dispute over radio frequencies for the 5G network;
Summary/Abstract: The digital transformation has become one of the Russian government’s economic priorities during Vladimir Putin’s fourth presidential term. There are at least three reasons why the importance of the digital economy has been rising. Firstly, Russia has been promoting the digital transformation in reaction to the technological revolution taking place globally. The Kremlin has had to make Russia part of that process to prevent the gap between the Russian economy and that of the global economic leaders from widening. Secondly, the Russian government views the digital transformation as a new driver of economic growth that could replace Russia’s current resource‑based economic model which is close to exhausting its potential. Thirdly, as the digital transformation requires a large investment, for the most part financed from the federal budget, it offers new opportunities for the Russian political and business elite to gain access to public funds and enrich themselves.

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