This thesis focuses on the in-depth exploration of theoretical and practical aspects surrounding the development of the modern global paradigm for e-commerce. The thesis aims to establish the conceptual principles, factors, and effects that drive the development of e-commerce in the global trade space and to substantiate strategic prospects for the growth of Ukraine’s digital market within the context of its integration into the European and global digital space.
This research proposes a hierarchical model of e-commerce operations within the digitalization era, identifying digital trade as the advanced stage in international trade evolution. Digital trade is conceptualized as an expanded and enhanced form of e-commerce, marking the latest e-commerce and cross-border electronic commerce developments. The transition from traditional e-commerce to digital trade is attributed to reduced transaction and coordination costs in international trade, along with the significant drop in the cost of exchanging ideas through the transfer of data or information.
The research substantiates that the critical factors determining further development and transformation of international e-commerce include advancements in digital technologies and the quality of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in trade policy, including the introduction of new restrictions specific to digital trade. It systematizes channels of digital technology influence on international e-commerce, encompassing resource availability, technological progress in communications, and demand factors.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, marked by rapid technological advancements, digital transformation, and the adoption of innovative technologies based on interoperability, virtualization, decentralization, real-time functionality, service orientation, and modularity, is identified as having a transformative impact on the development of international trade.
The analysis highlights the role of asynchronous disposition in achieving success in the global digital market amid geo-economic turbulence. A strong relationship between a country’s development level and the stability of its IT trade sector is demonstrated, showing how this dependency influences the scale and dynamics of international digital services trade. Countries at different development stages display distinct digital trade dynamics, which can significantly impact economic inequality and contribute to global economic imbalances.
The research illustrates how digital technologies are reshaping the trade paradigm by driving the expansion of e-commerce and digital services. It demonstrates a growth in both the scale and speed of digital trade, an increase in digital order volumes, the development of "smart" products, and the crucial role of digital connectivity in lowering trade costs. Additionally, it highlights challenges in national digital trade regulations that may restrict consumer and business access to emerging opportunities.
The study finds that digital trade has become essential in alleviating the adverse effects of the pandemic, aiding the recovery of international trade in the post-pandemic period. It discusses the role of digital technologies in accelerating digital transformation across diverse economic sectors since 2020, potentially fostering greater success, particularly in developed countries.
Regression models are constructed to evaluate the varied effects of e-government and digital infrastructure on e-commerce, particularly ICT exports, across different countries. The findings indicate that, in addition to the predominant influence of ICT sector workforce participation, the development of e-government and the quality of digital infrastructure—measured by fixed broadband and mobile traffic speeds—significantly contribute to the growth of e-commerce.
The study examines the development of digital trade between Ukraine and the EU amidst the Russia-Ukraine war. It assesses Ukraine’s potential for growth in digital trade within the framework of EU digital market integration. The study underscores the need for substantial regulatory adjustments in Ukraine to align with EU Digital Single Market standards, covering legislation, infrastructure, workforce capacity, and personal data protection.
Keywords: e-trading, digital technologies, digital econome, digital trade, digitalization, international trade, online sales, export, import, competition, competitiveness, globalization.
