Data Economics as a Driver of Innovative Development

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the phenomenon of the data economy as a driver of innovative development in the context of digital transformation. In the modern world, digital technologies are penetrating all spheres of life, making it more convenient and efficient. Today, changes are happening so rapidly that every economic entity can feel their impact. Year after year, data is becoming a key economic resource, determining the nature of interaction between economic agents, transforming the labor market, shaping new rules for decision-making, and adjusting the principles of operation of organizations and regions. The article examines the evolution of the concept from the digital economy to the data economy and substantiates the role of data as a strategic asset and an independent factor of production. The technological foundation of the data economy is analysed, including artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, cloud and quantum technologies. Special attention is paid to the tools and mechanisms for implementing the data economy in the Russian Federation, primarily to the national project "Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State", launched in 2025 and comprising nine federal projects — from space infrastructure to personnel training. The "Data Economy" project is not just a technical initiative, but a strategic program aimed at the digital modernization of Russia. The article proposes criteria for the effectiveness of using data for innovative development, including data quality, integration, analytical maturity, staffing, innovative performance, digital maturity, and security. The findings can be used in developing regional digital transformation strategies, improving regional digital maturity indices, and designing state policy measures in the field of regional innovative development.