ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a comprehensive synthesis of the digital economy, tracing its conceptual foundations, technological evolution, regulatory challenges and sociological impacts. It begins by defining the digital economy as a natural extension of the knowledge economy, emphasizing its reliance on digital data, information and communication technologies (ICTs) to drive productivity, innovation and economic transformation. The economic perspective highlights new business models, e-commerce, digital platforms and the reconfiguration of value chains. Technologically, the chapter explores the key enablers of digitalization – such as the Internet of Things, AI, 5G, cloud computing, blockchain and robotics – and their disruptive impact on industry and services. Regulatory analysis addresses the complexities of data protection, digital monopolies and the emergence of regulatory sandboxes. The sociological lens examines shifts in labor markets, the rise of digital skills and social inequalities amplified by digital exclusion and data extractivism. The chapter also discusses the methodological challenges of measuring digital transformation, comparing global indices and macroeconomic indicators. Overall, it presents the digital economy as a multifaceted, dynamic phenomenon that demands adaptive theoretical frameworks and proactive policy responses.
