Assessing the digital divide in OECD and BRICS countries: implications for public policy

The study aims to identify the digital divide in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) countries as a policy outcome and justify government regulation priority areas to ensure digital alignment in the global economy. The paper reveals the content of the concept of the "digital divide" and identifies the sources of its deepening in the current environment. The authors analysed available development indicators for developed OECD countries and developing BRICS countries to identify existing forms of digital inequality resulting from implemented government policies. The paper substantiates priority areas of state regulation to strengthen the position of developing countries and achieve digital equalisation in the global economy. Copyright © 2024 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.