Methodological Approach to the Classification of Digital Economies by Environmental Efficiency and Sustainability Criterion

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study is to develop a methodological approach to the classification of digital economies by the criterion of environmental efficiency and sustainability. Design/methodology/approach: “Green” economy indicators are systematized and used as criteria for comparing country categories using the author’s methodical approach to classifying digital economies according to eco-efficiency and sustainability criteria using T.L. Saati’s hierarchical procedure. The author’s methodological approach makes it possible to take into account not only the results, but also their significance, thus overcoming the contradiction and objectively presenting the impact of digitalization on the “green” economy. Findings: Significant differences (coefficient of variation 77.13%—very high) between the selected categories of digital economies by the criterion of eco-efficiency and sustainability were revealed. A methodological approach to the classification of digital economies according to the eco-efficiency and sustainability criterion, based on the hierarchical procedure of T.L. Saati, has been developed, which allows to carry out a polycriterial hierarchical (by means of ranking) assessment of the level of “green” development of countries on the basis of existing official statistics. The advantage of the developed methodical approach is a systematic accounting of the impact of the digital economy on ecological efficiency and sustainability of the economic system. Originality/value: Testing of the developed approach has shown that in countries specializing in “smart” production, ecological efficiency and sustainability level is low (0.58). In countries specializing in intellectual distribution, eco-efficiency and sustainability level is high (6.72). In countries where the digital society dominates over the digital business, environmental efficiency and sustainability level is highest (7.65). The findings have formed the scientific basis for harmonizing the “green” and digital economy by optimizing or limiting the development of smart industries and stimulating the development of the digital society and intellectual distribution.